Optimizing seed priming techniques: Impact of halo priming with sodium chloride on fenugreek (Trigonella foenum L.) in germination and stress acclimatization

Germination is a critical stage in plant development that determines the crop yield. Seed priming acts as a pre-sowing treatment that stimulates germination and activates metabolic process. Hydro-priming is widely practiced system which enhances germination but reduces seed storability whereas halo-priming enhances self-life and induces salinity tolerance. This study investigated the effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) priming on the germination of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum L.) seeds under moisture stress conditions. Despite stress condition, seed priming can noticeably increase the germination. A lab experiment was therefore, performed to study the effect of NaCl priming on different levels of moisture stress. NaCl priming was done at 0 ppm, 2 ppm, 4 ppm and, 8 ppm subjected to priming duration of 12 hours, 24 hours and 36 hours. The result demonstrated 100% germination at 0 g for all durations (12, 24, and 36 hours), and similar outcomes were observed at 8 g for 12, 24, and 36 hours, and at 4 g and 6 g for 12 and 36 hours. While the mean germination time, coefficient of velocity of germination increased with increment in priming duration at 0 g and decrease with increment in priming duration in 8gm NaCl concentration. Halo-priming was found superior above hydro-priming for fenugreek germination as salinity induces changes in lipid metabolism towards accumulation of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in stressed plants. This research provides compelling evidence that NaCl priming can be used to promote germination and improves acclimatization of fenugreek seedlings under saline conditions.