Evaluating the Emergence and Biochemical Changes of Primed Seeds in Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)
R. Sridevi *
Department of Seed Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
V. Manonmani
Department of Seed Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The present study aimed in exploring the performance of primed seeds in enhancing the quality of proso millet. The primed seeds along with nonprimed seeds were evaluated for emergence, cell proliferation in radicle cells using scanning electron microscope and biochemical parameters. Seeds primed with Pseudomonas fluorescens 20% possessing higher germination and anatomical changes observed through scanning electron microscope revealed more cell proliferation which was found to show rapid cell elongation and cell division of the radicle when compared to nonprimed seeds. The biochemical causes responsible for higher invigorative effect were identified as enhanced enzyme activity recorded through α-amylase content, dehydrogenase activity, protein content, lipase activity, antioxidative enzymes like catalase activity, peroxidase activity and superoxide dismutase with lower electrical conductivity, free amino acid and free sugars of the seed leachate. It is concluded in this study that primed seeds of Pseudomonas fluorescens 20% performed better than other treatments through their exhibition of higher emergence, more cell proliferation and enhanced biochemical parameters.
Keywords: Primed seeds, emergence, cell proliferation, biochemical parameters, enzyme activity.