Effect of seed priming with growth-regulating compounds on germination and early growth of two stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) ecotypes under water stress

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Horticultural, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran

2 Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad,Iran

3 Agriculture, Production and Technology of Herbal Medicines Research Center, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
Water stress is a critical factor limiting agricultural productivity worldwide, adversely affecting seed germination and plant growth. Water-deficit stress poses significant challenges to achieving optimal crop production by reducing germination rates, root development, nutrient uptake, and chlorophyll synthesis. Seed priming has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance crop tolerance to abiotic stresses. This technique not only improves seed germination and seedling growth under stressful conditions but also accelerates plant development, reduces the growth cycle duration, and increases overall crop yield. Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni), a medicinal plant and natural sweetener from the Asteraceae family, is native to Paraguay, South America, and is now cultivated in many countries worldwide. Its high sweetening capacity and non-caloric properties have made stevia a plant of considerable economic significance globally. This study aimed to evaluate the most effective seed priming methods to enhance the germination and early growth of stevia under drought stress, thereby supporting its cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions.
 
Materials and methods
The study was conducted as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications during 2023–2024 at the Seed Research Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The experimental factors included two Stevia rebaudiana ecotypes (Chinese and Indian), seven seed priming treatments [non-primed (control), hydropriming, strigolactone (SLs), forchlorfenuron (CPPU), selenium (Se), combination of CPPU + SLs, and combination of SLs + Se], and four water stress levels (0, −0.25, −0.5, and −1 MPa). Osmotic stress levels were simulated using polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000). Germination was monitored daily from the second day of the experiment. The number of germinated seeds was recorded daily, and germination traits, including germination percentage (assessed on day 11, with radicle emergence as the germination criterion), germination rate, mean germination time, mean daily germination, daily germination rate (inverse of mean daily germination), seedling length, and seedling vigor index (based on length), were measured. Data analysis was carried out using SAS 9.1 software, and mean comparisons were performed using the LSD multiple range test at a 5% probability level.
 
 
 
Results and discussion
The results of this experiment indicated that in the Indian ecotype, the germination percentage in the combined treatment of SLs and Se reached 70%, showing a 15% increase compared to the control treatment. Additionally, the germination rate in this treatment reached 9.13 seeds per day, which was double the lowest rate observed in the control treatment. Similarly, the highest mean daily germination and seedling vigor index were recorded in seeds primed with the combination of SLs and Se, reaching 3.18 seeds per day and 164.4, respectively. Seedling length achieved its highest average in the combined treatment of SLs and CPPU, indicating a significant improvement compared to the control treatment.
 
Conclusion
Overall, under non-stress conditions, the combined treatment of SLs + Se in the Indian ecotype and the SLs treatment in the Chinese ecotype effectively enhanced seed germination traits. The Indian ecotype demonstrated greater tolerance to water stress compared to the Chinese ecotype and responded more favorably to priming treatments. The combination of SLs and Se was identified as the most effective priming treatment, significantly improving the germination and early growth of stevia plants.
 
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge all staff of the laboratories at the Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, and Damghan University for their support in carrying out this project.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

 
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Environmental Stresses in Crop Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 December 2025

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  • Receive Date: 21 November 2024
  • Revise Date: 07 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 08 January 2025

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