Effect of Potassium Nitrate Priming in the Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Soybean

초록

Poor germination and seedling establishment are major causes of low soybean (Glycine max Merr.) production. Seed priming is an effective method for addressing these challenges and improving both seed germination and seedling establishment. In this study, we examined the effects of varying concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100 mM) of potassium nitrate (KNO3) combined with different durations (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h) of priming on germination and early seedling establishment parameters in two soybean varieties (Daechan and Pungsannamul). Priming with 50 and 100 mM of KNO3 increased the germination percentage (GP) by 20% on average in both varieties. An increase of 32% (Daechan) and 34% (Pungsannamul) was observed in the germination rate index (GRI), along with an increase in the seed vigor index (VI) of 40% and 36%, respectively. The mean germination time (MGT) was, on average, 6% higher in the control group than in the treated groups after 4 h of priming in both varieties. Radicle length (RL) increased by 29% (50 mM for 3 h) and 34% (100 mM for 4 h) in Daechan and Pungsannamul, respectively. Seedling dry biomass (SB) did not differ significantly between the varieties across all treatments or priming durations. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed that the level of the gibberellic acid-related gene GmGA3ox increased significantly by 30% in Daechan and tripled in the primed seeds of Pungsannamul. In contrast, the level of the abscisic acid-related gene GmNCED5 decreased by 25% in Daechan and 15% in Pungsannamul primed seeds. We examined different combinations of priming concentrations and durations of KNO3 application to enhance our understanding of how these factors can improve soybean seed germination and seedling establishment.

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