Hydrogen peroxide pre-treatment for seed enhancement in Cotton (Gossypim hirsutum L.)

Abstract

Seed germination and plant stand is a major problem in cotton especially under rain-fed cultivation. Various seed hardening treatments have been recommended in cotton for combating the moisture stress during germination. The role of H 2 O 2 as a seed treatment for enhancing cotton seed performance has not been determined. The present study was therefore undertaken to study the effect of H 2 O 2 on germination under moisture stress in comparison with the reported KCl treatment and water treatment with untreated control. The results suggested that seed priming with H 2 O 2 at 80 mM is an effective method for obtaining superior germination and seedling growth under moisture stress condition. Lower values for electrical conductivity of seed leachates as well as malonaldehydes released during germination in the H 2 O 2 treated seeds revealed the improved membrane stability of treated seeds. Parallely, an increase in activities of anti-oxidants viz. Peroxidase and Catalase as well as Malate dehydrogenase was also observed supporting the positive role of H 2 O 2 in enhancing the seed germination of cotton.