Application of hydropriming for improving seed germination and growth of periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) seedling

The effects of hydropriming on seed germination and seedling growth of periwinkle seedling were evaluated in a experiment based on completely randomized design with three replications. In this experiment, periwinkle seeds were soaked in distilled water for 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours at 20 C and then dried. A sample of seeds was considered as control. The results showed that the percentage and rate of germination, length and dry weight of seedling were significantly affected by hydropriming. The The germination percentage and rate of primed seed were significantly higher than those of the control seeds. The highest percentage and rate of germination were achieved with seeds primed for 24 or 48 hours, which were significantly higher than those of others. The means of seedlings dry weight from control seeds was significantly lower than those of the primed seeds. According to this trait, there as no significant differences between priming dutations. . The longest seedlings were obtained from seeds primed for 48 hours, which was significantly different from that of control seedlings. General, the seed priming for 48 hour is recommended as the best hydropriming dutation for improvement seed germination and growth of periwinkle seedlings.