Investigations on seed viability and vigour of aged seeds by priming in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

French bean seeds are more sensitive to storage conditions. The factors like high temperature, relative humidity, seed moisture content, light exposure and an extended storage period have been found to adversely affect seed quality. These factors may cause color darkening and hard-to-cook defect. A procedure that can ameliorate the detrimental effects of seed ageing is seed priming. Chemo priming using GA3 and ethrel improved the seed quality and showed improved seedling length, seedling dry weight which in turn improved higher seedling vigor index, germination speed, mein germination time etc. During seed priming the process of hydration initiates the earliest physiological stages of germination and perhaps physiological repair of membranes and organelles damaged during seed storage resulting in more rapid and uniform seedling emergence.