Effects of hydropriming on seed germination and seedling growth in sage (Salvia officinalis L.)

The germination of Salvia officinalis L. (sage) seeds is a problem of great concern that may be overcome by employing seed priming techniques. Seed priming is an efficient technique for improvement of seed vigor, increasing germination and seedling growth. Little information has been reported on seedling development of sage subsequent to seed priming. The influence of hydropriming treatments on seed parameters of S. officinalis L. was investigated. Seeds of sage were treated by hydropriming at three temperatures 10, 20, 30°C for 0, 12, 24 and 48 h. The hydropriming clearly improved the final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT) and synchronized the germination of seeds at each three temperature. All the seed treatments resulted in germination enhancement except hydroprimed seeds for 48 h at temperature 30°С. However, hydropriming (12 h at 30°С) was most effective in improving seed germination that FGP was increased by 25.5% as compared to that of non-primed seeds.Key words: Germination, hydropriming, Salvia officinalis L., seed priming