Effects of storage duration and hydro-priming on seed germination and vigour of Common vetch

Abstract

The possibility for prolonged ambient seed storage, and the role of seed hydro-priming were studied in Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) in the laboratory and greenhouse. Seeds stored for zero, one, two, and three years under ambient conditions at Kulumsa, Ethiopia, were soaked in distilled water for 24 h at 20±1°C and subsequently surface-dried at room temperature for ca. 6 h. Part of the seeds from the four storage durations was maintained unprimed, and was compared with hydro-primed seeds. Effects of ambient storage duration and hydro-priming, including their interactions, were significant (P<0.01) for all parameters considered. There was no significant reduction in germination percentage, speed of germination, and emergence index of seeds stored for up to two years, as compared to freshly harvested seeds. Despite its negative influence on germination percentage and some vigour parameters that depend on seed age, hydro-priming improved the speed of germination in all age groups, root length and Vigour Index-I of aged seed lots, and emergence index for zero and one-year storage duration. Therefore, Common vetch seeds can be stored under the ambient conditions of a tropical highland environment for about two years without significant loss in germination percentage and emergence index. The positive influences of hydro-priming on speed of germination and emergence index could be an opportunity to be considered in over-sowing studies with vetch on native pastures.