EFFECT OF SEED OSMOPRIMING ON SEED GERMINATION BEHAVIOR AND VIGOR OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max L.)

In order to evaluate the effect of seed Osmopriming by using PEG6000 priming media on germination behavior and seed vigor of soybean (cultivar 033) an experiment was conducted at Seed analysis laboratory of agricultural and natural resources center of Sari, Iran. Seeds were primed with six levels of Poly ethylene glycol (PEG6000) as priming media (distilled water as control, -0.4, -0.8, -1.2, -1.6 and-2 MPa) for 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours at 25°C. Experimental units were arranged factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications. Dry soybean seeds considered as a control treatment (non primed). Results of variance analysis made clear that different osmotic potential and priming duration had significant effect on germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index, and the time to get 50% germination, seed vigor and electrical conductivity of seeds. Also -1.2 MPa osmotic potential increased germination percentages, germination index and seed vigor meanwhile decreased mean germination time, the time to get 50% germination and electrical conductivity of seeds. Also it was observed that 12 h priming duration had most effect on studied traits as-1.2 MPa osmotic potential treatment. Generally primed seeds showed better condition than control treatment in aspect of studied criteria.