Priming seeds for improved viability and storability in Raphanus sativus cv. Chinese pink

The effects of priming on partially-aged seeds of radish cv. Chinese pink were assessed immediately and after 10 months of storage at ambient eonditions for their germination, mean germination time, leachate parameters as well as activities of amylase, acid phosphatase, peroxidase and catalase. All the priming treatments, except direct soaking of seeds in water resulted in improvement in germination percentage and vigour-parameters. Improvement in seed quality is supported by less leakiness of electrolytes, UV absorbing materials, increased activity of free radical scavenging and reserve mobilising enzymes. Methods to improve the inferior quality of stored seeds as well as the mechanism of metabolic repair occurring due to priming are discussed.