Abstract:
The main aim of this review paper is to synthesize all the knowledge and information that have
been generated through years of research and organized study in the field of seed invigoration
techniques by various authors. Tremendous efforts were made in order to derive the successful
results for seed quality enhancement through seed invigoration techniques. This paper
summarizes all the possible research outputs and information derived in seed invigoration of
different crops. Thus seed invigoration is physiological and biochemical changes related to
synchronous germination, velocity, and increased seed germination. Priming is an invigoration
technique that enhances the physiological and biochemical events in seeds during suspension of
germination by low osmotic potential and negligible matric potential of the imbibing medium.
Seed priming has emerged as an effective approach for increasing seed vigor and germination
synchronization, as well as, seedling growth and field establishment under adverse
environmental conditions. Various seed priming techniques have been developed, including
hydro-priming (soaking in water), halo-priming (soaking in inorganic salt solutions eg. NaCl,
CaCl2, KNO3), osmo-priming (soaking in solutions of different organic osmotica), thermopriming
(treatment of seeds with low or high temperatures), solid matrix priming (treatment of
seed with solid matrices placing seeds between saturated jute mat layers), hardening (alternate
soaking of seeds in tap water and drying before sowing) and bio-priming (hydration with
biological compounds). In addition to these, seed pelleting, seed coating, physical methods such
as magneto-priming, magnetic resonance invigoration, ionizing radiations are vital techniques for
seed quality enhancement. All of these techniques have been increasingly used in various crops
in different countries. Most recently very efficient and eco-friendly and economical approaches
of seed invigoration have been emerging in the field of seed science and technology. |
