Effects of different priming types on germination and biochemical regulation of Capsicum annuum L. seeds

Abstract

Seed priming is an effective technique to enhance germination performance and seedling establishment through the activation of metabolic and physiological processes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different priming types on germination and biochemical regulation of Capsicum annuum L. seeds. This study was conducted using a completely randomized design. The treatments consisted of control (non-primed), hydropriming, nanopriming, halopriming (1% KNO₃ and 0.5% NaCl), and osmopriming (PEG 20% and 25%). Results showed that priming treatments significantly influenced germination time, germination percentage, and physiological characteristics of the seeds. Hydropriming and PEG 20% osmopriming produced rapid germination with mean germination times of 2.00 and 2.25 days, respectively. A maximum germination percentage of 100% was achieved in hydropriming, nanopriming, halopriming with KNO₃, and osmopriming treatments. Enhanced germination performance was associated with increased α-amylase activity, reaching 52.58 U mg⁻¹ protein under hydropriming. Antioxidant responses were reflected by high catalase activity, with the highest value recorded in halopriming with 1% KNO₃ (1,628 U mg⁻¹ protein). Lower oxidative stress levels were indicated by reduced H₂O₂ content (39.32–41.35 μmol g-1 FW), while proline accumulation ranged from 9.91 to 23.37 μmol g-1 FW depending on the priming method. Overall, priming treatments enhanced seed physiological quality through improved reserve mobilization, strengthened antioxidant defense systems, and better stress regulation. Hydropriming demonstrated consistent performance across germination and biochemical parameters, indicating its potential as a simple and effective strategy for improving C. annuum seed quality.