Influence of priming with exogenous boron on the seed vigour of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Abstract

Alfalfa seeds were primed with 0, 0.1 %, 0.3 %, 0.6 %, 1.2 %, 2.4 % and 4.8 % (W/V) concentration of borax solution for 0 (control), 3, 6, 9 and 12 h at 20°C. The results showed that the vigour of alfalfa seeds were very significantly (P less than 0.01) related to boron concentration, priming time and their interaction, they were enhanced by the opportune concentration of boron priming, but were restrained by high concentration of boron. Priming with 0.1 % boron for 6 h was the best treatment for using to improve the seed vigour of alfalfa.

Influence of Boron Priming on the Antioxidant Ability of Alfalfa Seeds

“…Seedling vigour index generally reflected the ability of seedling establishment during plant growth. In this study, seedling vigour index of alfalfa seeds was significantly (P<0.05) declined with the extension of priming time (Table 1), this was similar to our previous results (Xia et al, 2019). Excessive boron priming could not provide sufficient energy for seeds in time to complete their germination and seedling growth (Chen and Arora, 2013).…”

“…Previous studies have showed that the seed yield of alfalfa can be effectively improved by foliar application of boron (Du et al, 2009). Moreover, our previous study has also found that the seed vigour of alfalfa can be availably improved by appropriate priming with boron, but the boron toxicity also Influence of Boron Priming on the Antioxidant Ability of Alfalfa Seeds occurs in those primed with high concentrations (Xia et al, 2019). Nonetheless, this is still unreported on the relationship between the antioxidant activity and seed vigour of alfalfa causing by boron priming.…”

“…Germination percentage of alfalfa seeds was significantly (P<0.05) increased after 3 h of boron priming and then declined with the extension of priming time, but there was no significant (P>0.05) difference between the control (primed 0 h) and those primed 6 to 12 h (Table 1). Seed germination was not improved by strong boron priming (Farooq et al, 2012) and our previous results also manifested that a germination suppression of alfalfa seeds was caused by a long time of priming with high boron concentration (Xia et al, 2019). Mean germination time was usually used to reflect the speed and consistency of seed Influence of Boron Priming on the Antioxidant Ability of Alfalfa Seeds germination.…”

“…Seedling vigour index were counted according to Abdul-Baki and Anderson (1973). The detailed conditions and operations of tests and the final calculations were descripted in our previous report (Xia et al, 2019).…”

“…Consequently, the requirement of alfalfa seeds is also radically augmented with the expansion of their cultivation area, hence the market price of alfalfa seeds and the farmers' enthusiasm in the production of alfalfa seeds are also promoted (Zhang et al, 2016). However, the alfalfa seed yield remains at a relatively lower level in most regions around the world, thereby how to solve this problem becomes a worldwide challenge in alfalfa industrial production (Xia et al, 2019). Previous studies have showed that the seed yield of alfalfa can be effectively improved by foliar application of boron (Du et al, 2009).…”