Seed Priming

• Refers to pre-sowing strategy for influencing seedling development.
• Involves modulating pre-germination metabolic activity prior to emergence of the radicle.
• Enhances germination rate and plant performance.
• Priming is done by soaking seeds in water (hydro-priming), 0.5-2% salt solution depending on plant species (halo-priming) or 250-500 g/l PEG (osmo-priming) for 12-48 hours in absence of light to reduce germination during priming.
• Then the seeds are dried to original or normal moisture content before seeding.
• The major effect of priming is seen on the root development of the plant and it not only hastens the seed germination but also is reported to enhance the osmotic adjustment in many plant species.