Use of morphocolorimetric analysis to monitor germination success of hydroprimed seeds of Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca (Fabaceae)

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate if the germination rate of Coronilla valentina seeds (Fabaceae) increased when subjected to extended hydro-priming. Analysis of hydroprimed seeds was carried out by using morphocolorimetric analysis to characterise the imbibition at different hydration time intervals. Seeds that had not been hydro-primed represented the untreated control. Seed swelling is a reliable and time-efficient method to measure seed imbibition, yet a poor predictor of seed germination success. Timing and temperature of the hydropriming treatment influence the germination rate of C. valentina subsp. glauca, with the optimum hydropriming treatment, was found to occur within a 72h period following the 75°C to 25°C treatment.