Enhancement of canola seed germination and seedling emergence at low temperature by priming

Some seedlots of canola (Brassica napus L. and B. campestris L.) have low percentage germination and poor seedling vigor. The effect of priming canola on both seed germination and seedling emergence was investigated in controlled environment cabinets. Germination was investigated using petri dish assays, whereas emergence was studied by sowing seeds into pots containing a sandy loam soil. Seed germination and seedling emergence from soil at 10°C was enhanced for several cultivars or both species due to priming. Time to 50% germination and emergence was also reduced. A B. campestris cv. Goldrusb seedlot, which showed low germination in preliminary studies, was found to be particularly responsive to priming and, thererore, was used in subsequent studies to optimize the technique. The optimal priming time varied with temperature [...]