Enhancing germination and growth of canola (Brassica napus L.) through hydropriming and NaCl priming

Abstract

The excessive accumulation of sodium chloride (NaCl) in soil can result in soil salinity, which poses a significant challenge to plant growth and crop production due to impaired water and nutrient uptake. On the other hand, hydropriming (WP) and low level of NaCl priming can improve the germination of seeds, chlorophyll contents, oil and seed yield in plants. That’s why this study investigates the impact of hydro and different levels of NaCl (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) priming, as pre-treatment techniques on canola seeds germination, growth and yield of two varieties Punjab and Faisal Canola. Results showed that, WP performed significant best for increase in germination (~ 20 and ~ 22%) and shoot length (~ 6 and ~ 10%) over non-priming (NP) in Punjab Canola and Faisal Canola respectively. A significant increase in plant height (~ 6 and ~ 7%), root length (~ 1 and ~ 7%), shoot fresh weight (~ 5 and ~ 7%), root fresh weight (~ 6 and ~ 7%) in Punjab Canola and Faisal Canola respectively. It was also observed that plants under WP and 0.5%NaCl priming were also better in production of seed yield per plant, oil contents, silique per plant, seeds per silique, and branches per plant chlorophyll contents and leaf relative water contents over NP. In conclusion, WP and 0.5%NaCl has potential to improve the germination, growth, yield and oil attributes of canola compared to non-priming, 1.0%NaCl priming, 1.5%NaCl priming and 2.0%NaCl priming.