Effect of integrated seed priming on storage duration for enhanced germination traits in lentil ( Lens culinaris L. ) under salinity stress

BACKGROUND Salinity is a major environmental stress that significantly limits the cultivation of lentils ( Lens culinaris L.), causing a yield loss of over 20% in India. This study evaluated the effects of integrated seed priming with silicic acid and humic acid on seed quality and physio‐biochemical traits during storage under normal and saline conditions. Key metabolites such as chlorophyll, free amino acids, proteins, and total soluble sugars act as signaling molecules in multiple metabolic pathways and cell cycle regulation. Salinity stress reduces enzymatic activity, impairing antioxidant defense and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, thereby disrupting physiological and biochemical metabolism. RESULTS Primed lentil seeds maintained superior quality under both normal and saline conditions. Significant improvements were observed in final germination percentage, seed vigor index I, seed vigor index II , speed of germination, germination rate index, and germination index after 0, 3, and 6 months of storage under salinity stress compared with non‐primed seeds. Biochemical parameters, including enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidants, chlorophyll, free amino acids, total protein, and total soluble sugars were also enhanced across the storage period. Membrane damage, measured with malondialdehyde ( MDA ) and electrical conductivity ( EC ), was significantly reduced in primed seeds. CONCLUSION Seed priming mitigated salinity‐induced stress by maintaining membrane integrity and enhancing physio‐biochemical resilience. Negative correlations between EC, mean germination time (MGT), and MDA on the one hand and germination and vigor indices on the other confirmed improved seed performance. Integrated priming with humic acid (100 mg L −1 ) and silicic acid (1 mM) for 16 h over a period of up to 6 months offers a cost‐effective strategy to enhance lentil seed storability and stress tolerance, supporting sustainable agriculture and efficient seed management.