Germination and Seedling Growth in Primed Seeds of Sunflower under Water Stress

Successful establishment of plants largely depends on successful germination. This study investigated the effect of ascorbic acid (1 and 2mM) on germination percentage, germination rate, seed stamina index, hypocotyl and radical length, seedling fresh and dry weight of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under various water potentials (0, -2 and -4 bar) induced by PEG6000. The experimental design was a factorial arrangement based on completely randomized design with three replications that performed at the laboratory of agriculture faculty of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran. All parameters were negatively responded with water stress but using AsA alleviated the harmful effect of stress on the traits. The concentration of 2mM of AsA on measured traits was more effective compared with the other levels. Therefore, seed priming with AsA can be considered an appropriate tool for improving germination characteristics of sunflower under water stress.