Effect of hydro-priming on seed germination and physiological activities in Medicago sativa

The effects of hydro-priming on seed germination and physiological activities in four Medicago sativa varieties(Sandili,Algonquin,Xinjiangdaye,Longdong) were studied.Hydro-priming significantly shortened the time for 50% seed germination and promoted the germination index of seeds but had no significant effect on germination percentage and hard seed content.Hydro-priming reduced the soluble sugar content and electrolyte leakage,and increased the proline content of seeds.The malondialdehyde content in primed seeds was lower than that of non-primed seeds,but not significantly so.It is concluded that hydro-primed M.sativa seed germinated faster and more uniformly than non-primed seeds.Hydro-priming repaired the biological membrane,enhanced the stability of cellular structure and resistance to germination stress.