Chemical Priming with β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) for Seedling Vigor in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

To achieve efficiency in seedling development, the seed must germinate quickly and homogeneously. Pre-sowing applications such as priming are practiced to eliminate or reduce the negative effects of environmental factors through germination and seedling development. This allows to reach a higher germination rate, yield, and desired plant density, especially by protecting against biotic and abiotic stresses. This study was carried out to examine the effects of pre-sowing seed applications on seedling growth and vigor of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Three different doses of β-amino-n-butyric acid (BABA) were used as seed priming agents and Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as control groups. The study was carried out according to the completely randomized factorial design with three replications and ten plants per replication. As a result of priming applications, significantly higher values in the number of roots, longest root length, total root length, average root length and shoot fresh weight were obtained compared to control. Our results, for the first time, showed that seed priming with BABA had a promoting effect on many aspects of early seedling growth in bread wheat. This is a preliminary study to understand the mechanism of seed priming and its effects on germination and root growth in wheat. Further studies may shed light on the molecular mechanisms of BABA or other compounds as seed priming agents, benefits for abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, and good stand establishment at the seedling or later stages.