HYDROPRIMING, A SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE PRIMING METHOD

Hydropriming is based on the observation that seed quality can be impr oved by hydration treatment. Hydropriming for cauliflower (Brassica ol eracea L. cv. Alpha Paloma) consists of soaking seeds in water for fiv e hours followed by incubation in a closed container with 100% relativ e humidity at room temperature for three days. Unaged and artificially aged seeds were subjected to hydropriming in comparison to osmoprimin g (-1.5 MPa PEG at 20 degrees C for one week). Germination of primed s eeds was tested at 10: 20, and 30 degrees C. Hydropriming of unaged se eds caused a great improvement in the rate of germination, especially at 10 degrees C, even more so than osmopriming, while only osmopriming of aged seeds caused some increase in the percentage of normal seedin gs.