Enhancement of Tainan 9 Peanut Seed Storability and Germination under Low Temperature

Abstract EN

Low temperature condition during December to January can limit seed emergence and seedling establishment for peanut production in Thailand.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of peanut seed priming on seed germination and vigor under optimal and low temperature conditions before and after 9 months of storage.

Tainan 9 peanut seeds were primed with salicylic acid (SA), ascorbate (ASA), CaCl2, or chitosan and tested for germination at 25°C (optimal temperature) and 15°C (low temperature) before and after a 9-month storage period.

Seed priming with 50 mg·L−1 SA and 50 mg·L−1 ASA for 12 hours before germinating improved germination at 15°C when compared to untreated seeds both before and after 9-month storage.

The high seed quality, illustrated by high germination percentage, high seed vigor, and low mean germination time related to the low autoxidation substrates: lipoxygenase (LOX), malondialdehyde (MDA), and high antioxidants: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT).

It suggests that peanut seed priming with salicylic acid and/or ascorbate can improve seedling emergence and growth under low temperature conditions.