Brassica napus L. var. oleifera seed priming affects germination and emergence index under non stress and drought stress conditions

Low establishment and germination of canola are major problems in arid and semi arid environments. These traits are considered to be the most important yield-contributing factors in these regions. Seed priming (a pre sowing treatment in water on osmotic solution that allows seeds proceed to the first stage of germination but prevents radical protrusion through the seed coat) has been shown to improve crop germination and establishment. Laboratory and green house experiments were conducted to determine the effects of seed priming on Canola (Opera cultivar) germination and emergence index under non stress and drought stress conditions. Results from these experiments showed that seed priming enhanced germination and emergence index. Seeds primed in water and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) led to higher emergence and germination index than control seeds (check) under both conditions whereas KCl had a negative effect and decreased these traits compared to the check. The results obtained from this study indicated that seed priming has potential for improving seed germination and stand establishment of canola under stress and non stress conditions.