International Journal of Agricultural Science and Research (IJASR) ISSN 2250-0057 Vol.

3 Issue 2, Jun 2013, 71-80 TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.

RESPONSE OF HYDROPRIMING AND OSMOPRIMING ON GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.) UNDER SALT STRESS
VAJANTI MALA PAHOJA, SAQUIB HUSSAIN SIDDIQUI, MEHAR-UN-NISA NAREJO & JAVED HUSSAIN UMRANI Department of Crop Physiology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan

ABSTRACT
The experiment was conducted to evaluate the best priming method and its effects on the seed germination and seedling growth of sunflower under salt stress conditions. Among the primings, hydropriming recorded highest mean values for most traits viz. seed germination percentage,germination rate, germination index, seedling vigor index, root/shoot length, root/shoot fresh weight and root/shoot relative water content under various concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) of NaCl. Hydropriming proved significantly better than the osmopriming (KNO 3) under the wide range of salinity levels.

KEYWORDS: Priming, Sunflower, Germination, Salinity, KNO3 INTRODUCTION

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the most important oil seed crops in Pakistan. The major sunflower growing provinces are Punjab and Sindh. Sunflower is a short duration crop of 90-110 days and can be grown twice in a year. Basically sunflower requires a temperature range of 20-25oC but can tolerate 28-30oC (Balasubramaniyan and Palaniappan, 2004). Sunflower was determined as a moderately sensitive crop to salinity (Katarji et al., 2003). High salinity is also considered as a major abiotic stress and significant factor affecting crop production all over the world, especially in arid and semi-arid regions (Khajeh-Hosseini et al., 2003; Neumann, 1995; Shannon, 1998; Davidson and Chevalier, 1987; Srivastava and Jana, 1984). The plant growth is ultimately reduced by salinity stress but plant species differ in their saline tolerance (Munns and Termaat, 1986). According to Epstein et al. (1980), salt stress unfavorably affect plant growth and productivity during all developmental stages. Salinity can effect the germination and seedling growth either by creating an osmotic pressure that prevents water uptake of plant roots as well as decrease of germination of plant seeds by ionic toxicity of Na+ and Cl (Almansouri et al., 2001; Munns et al., 1988; Hopper et al., 1979). In order to obtain fast and good establishment of seedling, high vigor seed is needed to provide essential nutrients for seedling until it becomes established and can photosynthesize independently (Bewley and Black, 1994). The vigor of seeds can be improved by techniques generally known as seed priming, which enhance the speed and uniformity of germination (Demir and Van De Venter, 1999). Osmotic adjustment or priming of seeds prior to sowing is known as an efficient way to increase germination and emergence rate (Ascherman-Koch et al., 1992; Jumsoon et al., 1996). There are several reports that under diverse environmental stresses such as salinity, water deficiency and high and low temperatures osmopriming leads to cellular, sub-cellular and molecular changes in seeds and subsequently promotes seed vigor duration germination and emergence in different plant species (McDonald, 2000; Numjun et al.,1997). One of the major problems to high yield and production is lack of synchronized crop establishment in sunflower (Mwale et al., 2003). Singh and Rao (1993) reported that KNO 3 improved germination vigor index and seedling growth of

72

Vajanti Mala Pahoja, Saquib Hussain Siddiqui, Mehar-Un-Nisa Narejo & Javed Hussain Umrani

sunflower. Although priming is one of the physiological methods, which improves seed performance and synchronized germination (Sivritepe and Dourado, 1995). The aim of this research was to evaluate the best priming method and its effects on the seed germination, and subsequent seedling growth of sunflower under salt stress conditions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This research work was evaluated for the effect of hydropriming and osmopriming (KNO3) on seed germination and early seedling growth on sunflower hybrid Hysun-33 under (NaCl) salt stress. The seeds were collected from multinational company (Seminis seeds Pakistan). The seeds treatment consisted of control (without salinity), hydroprimed (distilled water) and osmoprimed in (0.3% KNO3) for 24 hours at room temperature. After treatment of priming the seeds were surface washed with distilled water and dried at room temperature. The Petri dishes (9cm) were sterilized in an oven at 60oC for half an hour and then double layered with filter paper. Twenty untreated and primed seeds were placed in each Petri dish for germination. The 10 ml of different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) of NaCl solution was added to each Petri dish. The treated seeds were germinated under laboratory condition and seed germination was recorded daily for up to 15 days. The experiment was two factors factorial which are (salinity and priming) arranged in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The data were subjected to statistical analysis. Analysis of variance was performed using (Statistix 8.1) package and means values were compared by Duncans Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Germination Percentage Germination percentage was recorded after every 24 hours by using the formula:

Germination Rate The germination rate was calculated by the formula of Ellis and Roberts (1980). R = n / Dn Where: R is the germination rate n is the number of seeds germinated in days and D is the number of days counted from the beginning of the test. Root and Shoot Length The root and shoot length was measured in millimeter with ruler after completion of seed germination. Root and Shoot Fresh Weight Roots and shoot were separated from seedling and weighed in gram (g) with an electronic digital balance. Seedling Vigor Index The seedling vigor index was calculated according to following formula of Abdul-Baki and Anderson (1973). (SVI) = [seedling length (cm) germination percentage] Germination Index The germination index (GI) was calculated as described by the following formula of AOSA (1983).

Response of Hydropriming and Osmopriming on Germination an Seedling Growth of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Under Salt Stress

73

Relative Water Content The Relative water content was calculated by the following formula of Slatyer (1967). RWC = [(FW-DW) / (TW-DW)] x100 Where, FW = fresh weight, TW = turgid weight, DW = dry weight

RESULTS
The data regarding effect of priming on seed Germination percentage and seed germination rate (per day) under control and different salt stresses is showed in Table 1. As it can be seen from the data, seed germination percentage was decreased with increased of salinity levels. The maximum seed germination percentage was recorded in control (100.00 %), followed by (98.00, 97.00 and 88.91 %) in 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 % (NaCl), respectively. Whereas, the low seed germination percentage (77.50%) was obtained when salt stress was raised up to 2.0 %. The hydropriming effect on seed germination percentage responded significantly better seed germination (95.11%) than the osmopriming (87.05 %). Seed germination rate showed that hydroprimed seeds responded significantly better than the osmoprimed seeds. The germination rate was decreased when salinity levels were increased. The maximum seed germination rate was observed in control (2.26), followed by (2.24, 2.07 and 1.87) in 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 % (NaCl), respectively. However, seed germination rate (0.88) was decreased in 2.0 %. Germination Index and Seedling Vigor Index The germination and seedling vigor index decreased significantly when salt stress increased. The maximum germination and index (15.65 and 1966.5) was obtained in control. Whereas the lowest (6.41 and 71.81) germination and seedling vigor index was observed when, salt stress increased up to 2.0 %. The results regarding effect of priming showed that hydropriming responded significantly better than the osmopriming in both germination and seedling vigor index (Table 2). Table 1: Effect of Priming on Germination Percentage and Germination Rate (Per Day) of Sunflower under Saline (NaCl) Conditions (NaCl) % 0.0 0.1 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 Mean Germination Percentage Priming Hydro Osmo Mean 100.00 100.00 100.00 95.50 90.20 85.00 95.11a 100.00 96.00 94.00 82.33 80.00 70.00 87.05b 100.00a 98.00a 97.00a 88.91b 85.10b 77.50c Germination Rate (Per Day) Priming Hydro Osmo Mean 2.29 2.27 2.26 1.94 1.63 0.95 1.89a 2.23 2.21 1.89 1.80 1.20 0.82 1.63b 2.26a 2.24a 2.07ab 1.87c 1.41d 0.88e -

Table 2: Effect of Priming on Germination Index and Seedling Vigor Index of Sunflower under Saline (NaCl) Conditions (Nacl) % 0.0 0.1 0.5 1.0 Germination Index Priming Hydro Osmo Mean 16.11 15.20 15.65a 15.91 14.78 15.34a 15.76 14.05 14.90ab 13.63 13.41 13.52c Seedling Vigor Index Priming Hydro Osmo Mean 2053.30 1880.00 1966.5a 2023.30 1850.70 1937.0a 1903.37 1726.72 1815.04ab 837.70 623.30 730.50c

74

Vajanti Mala Pahoja, Saquib Hussain Siddiqui, Mehar-Un-Nisa Narejo & Javed Hussain Umrani

1.5 2.0 Mean

11.46 6.67 13.26a

8.25 6.15 11.97b

Table 2:Contd., 9.85d 256.74 6.41e 73.30 1191.28a

186.70 70.33 1056.17b

221.72d 71.81d -

Root and Shoot Length (mm) The effect of priming on root and shoot length is presented in Table-3. The root length was decreased when the salt stress is increased. The maximum root length was measured in control (98.73 mm), followed by (84.66, 79.08 and 45.66 mm) in 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 % (NaCl), respectively. The lowest root length (7.41 mm) was noted when salinity was raised up to 2.0 %. The maximum shoot length was recorded in control (109.91 mm), followed by (102.48, 88.88 and 30.54 mm) in 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 % (NaCl) respectively. The lowest shoot length (3.86 mm) was observed when salt stress was 2.0 %. The results regarding effect of priming showed that hydropriming responded significantly better than the osmopriming. Root and Shoot Fresh Weight (g) The root and shoot fresh weight presented in Table-4. The maximum root fresh weight was observed in control (1.90g), followed by (1.45, 1.30 and 0.47g) in 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 % (NaCl), respectively. The root fresh weight (0.16 and 0.06g) was decreased when salt stress is increased. The shoot fresh weight decreased with increase of salinity levels. The maximum (5.62g) shoot fresh weight was recorded in control whereas; the lowest shoot fresh weight (0.20g) was observed when salinity levels increased up to 2.0 %. The results regarding effect of priming showed that hydropriming responded significantly better than the osmopriming in both root and shoot fresh weight. Root and Shoot Relative Water Content (%) The hydropriming responded significantly better than the osmopriming for Root and shoot relative water content (%). The root relative water content of Hysun-33 was decreased with increase of salinity levels. The maximum (93.50%), root relative water content was recorded in control followed by (62.12, 60.11 and 49.25 %) in 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 % (NaCl) respectively. The low root relative water content (35.65 %) was observed when salt stress was raised up to 2.0 %. Shoot relative water content was decreased with the increase of salinity levels. The maximum shoot relative water content was recorded in control (86.96%), followed by (77.72, 75.97 and 62.43 %) in 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 % (NaCl), respectively. The shoot relative water content (57.56 and 44.58 %) was decreased when salt stress increased (Table-5). Table 3: Effect of Priming on Root and Shoot Length of Sunflower under Saline (NaCl) Conditions Root Length (mm) (NaCl) % Hydro 0.0 0.1 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 Mean 101.07 88.90 80.43 56.93 20.87 9.63 59.63a Priming Osmo 96.40 80.43 77.73 34.40 12.17 5.20 50.05b Mean 98.73a 84.66b 79.08bc 45.66c 16.52d 7.41d Hydro 113.93 110.47 90.40 33.81 8.20 4.93 60.29a Shoot Length (mm) Priming Osmo 105.90 94.50 87.37 27.27 6.20 2.80 54.00b Mean 109.91a 102.48ab 88.88b 30.54c 7.20d 3.86d -

Response of Hydropriming and Osmopriming on Germination an Seedling Growth of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Under Salt Stress

75

Table 4: Effect of Priming on Root and Shoot Fresh Weight (G) of Sunflower under Saline (NaCl) Conditions (Nacl) % 0.0 0.1 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 Mean Root Fresh Weight (G) Priming Hydro Osmo Mean 2.32 1.48 1.90a 1.56 1.35 1.45b 1.51 1.10 1.30bc 0.37 0.57 0.47c 0.17 0.16 0.16d 0.07 0.06 0.06e 1.00a 0.78b Shoot Fresh Weight (G) Priming Hydro Osmo Mean 6.46 4.79 5.62a 4.71 4.07 4.39b 4.21 2.27 3.24bc 1.90 2.18 2.04c 0.96 0.70 0.83d 0.20 0.21 0.20d 3.07a 2.37b -

Table 5: Effect of Priming on Root/Shoot Relative Water Content (%) of Sunflower under Saline (NaCl) Conditions (Nacl) % 0.0 0.1 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 Mean Root Relative Water Content (%) Priming Hydro Osmo Mean 95.83 91.17 93.50a 64.38 59.87 62.12b 63.20 57.03 60.11b 54.31 44.20 49.25c 50.62 40.33 45.47c 40.21 31.10 35.65d 61.42a 53.95b Shoot Relative Water Content (%) Priming Hydro Osmo Mean 88.42 85.51 86.96a 85.33 70.11 77.72b 82.70 69.25 75.97b 61.39 63.47 62.43c 55.21 59.92 57.56c 50.36 38.81 44.58d 70.56a 63.67b -

DISCUSSIONS
The seed germination percentage of Hysun- 33 was decreased with the increase of salinity levels. The maximum germination percentage 95.11% was recorded with hydropriming whereas the minimum (87.05%) germination percentage was observed for osmopriming. These results are supported by the findings of (Neamatollahi et al. (2009) and they reported that the germination percentage of cumin seeds decreased by increasing in NaCl concentrations and maximum germination percentage were obtained with NaCl in hydroprimed seeds. Mohammadi, (2009) and Sedghi et al. (2010) observed that the high salinity decrease the germination percentage in seeds of canola and pot marigold and sweet fennel. The decreased in germination percentage of seeds due to the effect of increasing salt concentration may be resulted from decreasing osmosis potential of solution, increasing toxic ions and changing in remobilization balance of seed reservoirs. Khajeh-Hosseini et al. (2003) reported that the reduction in germination percentage at high salinity can be attributed to prevent of water uptake created by salinity. This can also be due to the toxic effect of Na + and Cl- ions on the germination process. The maximum germination rate was observed in hydropriming condition showing (1.89). High concentration of salt significantly decrease germination rate, the minimum germination rate (1.63) was recorded in osmopriming condition. The reduction of germination rate was also reported by other researchers Ali et al. (2010) they are reported that in the germination rate, osmopriming treatment could not exhibit significant effect while hydropriming treatment of (4 and 8 h) had signicant effect and hydroprimed seed for 4h germinated faster than osmopriming under the saline (NaCl) stress treatments. (Rdhan and Yanaht, 1982) have assumed that the decrease of GR is the result of decreasing water potential and seed accessibility of water.

76

Vajanti Mala Pahoja, Saquib Hussain Siddiqui, Mehar-Un-Nisa Narejo & Javed Hussain Umrani

The results revealed that the maximum germination index was recorded in hydropriming condition showing (13.26). The Hysun-33 shown significantly decrease in germination index with increase of NaCl concentrations whereas the minimum germination index (11.97 and 5.24) was recorded in osmopriming condition. Our results are supported by the findings of Kaya et al. (2006) and Basra et al. (2006) who reported that hydropriming seeds of sunflower could germinate faster under salt (NaCl) stress, while minimum germination index was recorded at higher NaCl concentrations. Seedling vigor index responded quite fairly at various salinity levels, but treatments were highly significant decrease in seedling vigor index. The maximum seedling vigor index was recorded (1191.28) at various NaCl concentrations in hydroprimed seeds. The low seedling vigor index was also reported by Mohammadi et al. (2008) who reported that hydropriming significantly increased Seedling vigor index, mainly at high osmotic potentials. Averagely Seedling vigor index of hydroprimed seeds was 56% higher than osmoprimed seeds. The highest root length was recorded at various concentration of NaCl in hydropriming condition (59.63 mm), while the minimum root length (50.05 mm) was recorded in osmopriming. The hydropriming varied highly significant for their performance at different NaCl concentration. These results are in agreement with Midaoui et al. (2003), they reported that hydropriming improved root growth and gave the highest root length with different concentrations of NaCl while Shafi et al. (2006) concluded that different salinity levels had a significant effect on root length were decrease by both salinity and sodicity. The highest shoot length was recorded in hydropriming condition (60.29 mm) than osmopriming. The shoot length was decreases with increased in NaCl concentrations. Our results are supported by the work of Mer et al. (2000). They reported that when the salinity is increase the plumule length of wheat, barley, pea and cabbage seeds is decreased. They also pointed out that decreasing the growth of young seedlings by increasing salinity, because of the most decreasing of water absorption by radicle, and subsequently by accumulation of soluble salts in cells, water potential of root cells decreases and biological processes occur in roots even in low water potential. Amooaghaie (2011) suggested that the different salinity levels significantly effected on shoot length, and hydropriming improved shoot length. The maximum (1.00 g) root fresh weight was recorded in hydropriming condition. Root fresh weight significantly decreased with increase of NaCl concentrations whereas the minimum root fresh weight (0.78 g) was recorded in osmopriming condition. These results are in consistent with Kaya et al. (2006) who reported that hydroprimed seeds of sunflower produced maximum root fresh weight under salinity (NaCl) stress, minimum root fresh weight was recorded at higher NaCl concentrations. The shoot fresh weight of hydroprimed seeds was maximum (3.07 g). Whereas the minimum shoot fresh weight was (2.37 g) were observed for osmopriming. The shoot fresh weight values were decreased with increase salinity levels. These results are in agreement with Mansour and Salama (1996), the effect of salts (NaCl) significantly reduced shoot fresh weight, while Midaoui et al., (2003) reported that hydropriming improved shoot fresh weight under salt stress. Akita and Cabuslay (1990) reported that higher salinity reduce the fresh and dry weight of shoot. It is probably due to decreasing in remobilization of reservoirs from cotyledons to embryo axis. The factors affect the growth rate of embryo axis, were also affecting the mobility of reservoirs and its remobilization from cotyledons to embryo axis. The maximum root relative water content was recorded in hydropriming condition (61.42%) whereas the minimum root relative water content was recorded in osmopriming. The root relative water content values were decreased with increase salinity levels. Our results are in agreement with Mehmet and Kaydan (2008) who reported that osmotic stress of NaCl significantly reduced relative water content of root as compared to control. The relative water content gradually declined with increase in concentration NaCl and the hydropriming improved root relative water content. The shoot relative water content decreased significantly with increase in treatment levels. The maximum shoot relative water

Response of Hydropriming and Osmopriming on Germination an Seedling Growth of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Under Salt Stress

77

content was recorded in hydropriming condition (70.56%) whereas the minimum shoot relative water content was recorded in osmopriming condition. Similar results are reported by other researchers Mehmet and Kaydan (2008) who reported that the hydropriming increased relative water content of shoot. But the effect of hydropriming was very pronounced particularly in improving relative water content in control and low concentration NaCl but at higher stress condition relative water content consequence of very poor germination at the lowest of osmotic potential.

REFERENCES
1. Abdual-baki, A.A and Anderson, J.D. (1973). Relationship between decarboxilation of glutamic acid and vigour in soybean seed. Crop Sci., 13: 222226. 2. Akita, A. S. and Cabuslay, G. S. (1990) Physiological basis of differential response to salinity in rice cultivars. Plant Soil. 123:227-294. 3. Ali, T., Zare, S., Moosavi, S.A. and Enayati, A. (2010). Effects of Priming Techniques on Seed Germination and Early Growth Characteristics of Bromus tomentellus L. and Bromus inermis L. Not Sci Biol., 2 (1): 104-108. 4. Almansouri, M., Kinet, J.M. and Lutts, S. (2001). Effect of salt and osmotic stresses on germination in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.). Plant Soil. 231: 243-254. 5. Amooaghaie. R.(2011). The effect of hydro and osmopriming on alfalfa seed germination and antioxidant defenses under salt stress. Afri.J. Biot. 10(33): 6269-6275. 6. Ascherman-Koch.C., Hofmann, P. and Steiner, A.M.(1992). Presowing treatment for improving quality in cereals. I. Germination and vigor. Seed Sci. Technol. 20: 435-440. 7. 8. Association of Official Seed Analysis (AOSA). 1983. Seed Vigor Testing Handbook. Contribution No. 32. Balasubramaniyan, P and Palaniallan, S.P. (2004). Principles and practices of agronomy (2nd edition) published by Pr. Updesh Pruohit for Agrobios, Jodhpur India. Pp.44-45. 9. Basra, S.M.A., Afzal, I., Anwar, S., Anwar-ul-haq, M., Shafq, M. and Majeed, K. (2006). Alleviation of salinity stress by seed invigoration techniques in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), Seed Technol. 28: 36-46. 10. Bewley, D. J. and Black, M. (1994) Seeds, Physiology of development and germination. Second edition. Plenum. Press. Pp. 445. 11. Davidson, D.J and Chevalier, P.M. (1987). Influence of polyethylene glycol induced water deficits on tiller production in spring wheat. Crop Sci. 27: 1185-1187. 12. Demir, I. and Van De Venter, H.A. (1999). The effect of priming treatments on the performance of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai) seeds under temperature and osmotic stress. Seed Sci. Technol. 27: 871-875. 13. Ellis, R.A. and Roberts, E.H. (1980). Improved equations for the prediction of seed longevity. Annals of Botany. 45: 13-30. 14. Epstein, E., Norlyn, J.D., Rush, D.W., Kinsbury, R.W., Kelly, D.B., Gunningbham, G.A. and Wrona, A.F. (1980). Saline culture of crops. A genetic approach. Sci. 210: 399- 404. 15. Hopper, N.W., Overholt, J.R. and Martin. J.R. (1979). Effect of cultivar, temperature and seed size on the

78

Vajanti Mala Pahoja, Saquib Hussain Siddiqui, Mehar-Un-Nisa Narejo & Javed Hussain Umrani

germination and emergence of soy beans (Glycine max L.). Ann. Bot. 44: 301-308. 16. Jumsoon, K., Jeuonlai, C. and Ywonok, J. (1996). Effect of seed priming on the germinability of tomato (Lycopercicon esculentum Mill.) seeds under water and saline stress. J. Korean Soc. Hortic. Sci. 37: 516-521. 17. Katarji, N., Van Hoorn, J.W., Hamdy, A., and Mastrorilli, M. (2003). Salinity effect on crop development and yield, analysis of salt tolerance according to several classification methods. Agric. Water Manag. 62: 3766. 18. Kaya, M.D., Okcu, G., Atak, M., Cikili, Y. and Kolsaric, O. (2006). Seed treatments to overcome salt and drought stress during germination in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Europ. J. Agronomy. 24: 291-295. 19. Khajeh-Hosseini, M., Powell. A. A. and Bingham. I. J. (2003). The interaction between salinity stress and seed vigour during germination of soybean seeds. Seed Sci. Technol. 31:715. 20. Mansour, M.M.F and Salama. K.H.A. (1996). Comparative responses to salinity in wheat genotypes differing in salt tolerance. Seedling growth and mineral relations. Egyp.J.Physio.Sci.20 (1/2):1-15. 21. McDonald, M.B. (2000). Seed priming. In: Seed Technology and Biological Basis, Black, M and Bewley JD (Eds.). Sheffield Academic Press. England. Chapter 9, 287-325 22. Mehmet,Y.M and Kaydan. D.D. (2008). Alleviation of osmotic stress of water and salt in germination and seedling growth of triticale with seed priming treatments. Afri.J.Biot. 7(13): 2156-2162. 23. Mer, R. K., Prajith, P. K., Pandya. D. H. and Dandey. A. N. (2000). Growth of young plants of Hourdeum vulgare, Triticum aestivum, Cicer arietium and Brassica juncea. J. Agron. Crop Sci. 185:209-217 24. Midaoui, M., Serieys, H., Griveau, Y., Benbella, M., Talouizte, A., Berville, A. and Kaan. F. (2003). Effects of osmotic and water stresses on root and shoot morphology and seed yield in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes bred for Morocco or issued from introgression with H. argophyllus T.&G. and H. debilis Nutt. Helia. 26, 116. 25. Mohammadi, J.M., Dezfuli. P.M. and Sharifzadeh. F. (2008). Seed invigoration techniques to improve

germination and early growth of inbred line of maize under salinity and drought stress. 215Seed invigoration techniques to improve germination. Gen.Appl.Plant Physio, special issue, 34(3-4): 215-226. 26. Mo hammad i, G.R. ( 2009) . The Influence of NaCl Priming on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Canola (Brassica napus L.) Under Salinity Conditions. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci. 5 (5): 696-700. 27. Munns, R. and Termaat. A. (1986). Whole-plant responses to salinity. Aust. J. Plant. Physiol. 13:l43-l60. 28. Munns, R.A., Gardrer, M.L., Rawson, H.M. (1988). Growth and development in NaCl treated plants. II. Do Na + or Cl- concentrations in dividing or expanding tissue determine growth in barley. Aust. J. Plant. Physiol.15: 529-540. 29. Mwale, S.S., Hamusimbi, C. and Mwansa, K. (2003). Germination emergence and growth of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in response to osmotic seed priming. Sci. Sci.Technol. 31: 199-206 30. Neamatollahi, E., Bannayan, M., Souhani Darban, A. and Ghanbari. A. (2009). Hydropriming and osmopriming effects on cumin (Cuminum Cyminum L.) Seeds germination. World Academy of Sci. Engin & Tech. 57:526-529.

Response of Hydropriming and Osmopriming on Germination an Seedling Growth of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Under Salt Stress

79

31. Neumann, P. M. (1995). Inhibition of root growth by salinity stress: Toxicity or an adaptive biophysical response, pp: 299-304. In: Baluska, F., Ciamporova, M., Gasparikova, O., Barlow, P.W. (Eds.). Structure and Function of Roots. The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers. 32. Numjun, K., Yeonok, J., Jeoung, L.C. and Song, M.K. (1997). Changes of seed proteins related to low temperature and germin ability of primed seed of pepper (Capsicum a nnu um L .). J. Korean Soc. Hortic. Sci. 38: 342-346. 33. Rdhan, J. and Yanaht. V. (1982). Note on the salt tolerance of some rice varieties of Andra Pradesh during germination and early seedling growth. India J. Agri. Sa. 52:472-474. 34. Sedghi,M., Nemati, A. and Esmaielpour, B. (2010). Effect of seed priming on germination and seedling growth of two medicinal plants under salinity. Emir. J. Food Agric. 22 (2): 130-139. 35. Shafi, M., Tariq, H., Akbar, J., Bakht, B. and Rehman, M. (2006). Response of wheat varieties to different levels os salinity at early growth stage. Sarhad.J.Agri. 22 (4): 585-589. 36. Shannon, M. C. (1998). Adaptation of plant to salinity. Adv. Agron. 60: 75-119. 37. Singh, B.G. and Rao, G. (1993). Effect of chemical soaking of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) seed on vigor index. Indian J. Agric. Sci. 63: 232-233 38. Sivritepe, H.O. and Dourado, A.M. (1995). The effect of priming treatments on the viability and accumulation of chromosomal damage in aged pea seeds. Ann. Bot. 75: 165 171. 39. Slatyer, R.O. (1967). Plant-water relationship. Academic Press, London, pp. 366 40. Srivastava, J.P and Jana, S. (1984). Screening wheat and barley germplasm for salt tolerance. In: Salinity Tolerance in Plants. Eds R.C. Staples and G.H. Toenniessen. John Wiley and Sons. New York, pp. 273-283.