Effects of Hydro and Osmo-Priming on Seed Germination and Field Emergence of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Laboratory tests and two field experiments were conducted in RCB design in 2006 and 2007 at the Research Farm of the University of Tabriz, Iran, to evaluate the effects of hydro and osmo - priming (PEG: Polyethylene glycol 6000 at -0.8MPa) on seed germination and field emergence of lentil. Analysis of variance for laboratory data showed chat hydropriming significantly improved germination rate and root weights, compared to other seed treatments. However germination percentage for seeds primed with water and PEG were statistically similar, but higher than chose for unprimed seeds. Over all, hydropriming treatment was comparatively superior in laboratory tests. Invigoration of lentil seeds by hydropriming resulted in higher seedling emergence in the field, compared to control and seed priming with PEG, Seedling emergence rate was also enhanced by priming seed with water. Thus, hydropriming could be used as a simple method for improving seed germination and seedling emergence of lentil in the field.