Appropriate hydration period and chemical agent improve priming in brachiaria seeds

ABSTRACT Priming is an alternative to improve the performance of seeds that have germination problems, such as Urochloa brizantha seeds. This study aimed at evaluating the appropriate hydration period and chemical agents used for priming, via direct immersion, in the physiological quality and carbohydrate content of U. brizantha seeds. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3 x 4 factorial arrangement, with four replicates of each treatment, consisting of lower, median and higher hydration periods, in the phase II of the absorption curve, and agents used for priming: water, gibberellin, sucrose and antioxidant (riboflavin). Germination and vigor tests were carried out, as well as carbohydrate contents determination, in the seeds. It was observed that seeds hydrated in the lower period show higher physiological potential. Priming with gibberellin provides a greater seedling emergence, and with sucrose higher carbohydrate contents