Seed Priming

Priming is controlling the hydration level within seeds, allowing seedlings to emerge rapidly and uniformly. In a seed, the natural stages of germination occur up to the point of radicle emergence. Radicles are the first parts of the seedlings that sprout from the seeds. Radicle emergence requires a high seed water content. So when we prime seeds, we limit their water content, and the metabolic steps necessary for germination can occur without the irreversible act of radicle emergence.

Reasons for seed priming:

• Overcoming or alleviating phytochrome-induced dormancy in plants.
• Decreasing the time necessary for germination and emergence.
• Improving the stand uniformity, aiding in production management and increasing the chance for uniformity at harvest.
• Extending the field temperature range at which a seed can germinate.

Benefits of seed priming:

• Emergence can occur before soil crusting becomes fully detrimental.
• Crops can compete more effectively with weeds
• Priming allows growers to better control their water usage and scheduling.
• Priming can eliminate or greatly reduce the amount of seed-borne fungi and bacteria.