Change in several antioxidant enzymes activity of Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) by priming.

ABSTARCT Antioxidants are critical factors for vigorous seed germination. Seeds with higher antioxidant profiles are more tolerant to unsuitable conditions than other seeds. A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the influence of the seed priming technique on seed performance during germination and on antioxidant activity of Berseem clover seeds, an economically important forage crop. Seeds were osmoprimed using solutions of NaCl giving osmotic potentials of -0.9, 1.1,-1.3,-1.5 and -1.7, MPa for two priming periods (6 and 12 h). Then best priming treatments were further assessed by measurements of antioxidant enzyme activities. The general finding is that seed priming improved final germination percentage, germination rate. Best invigoration was observed in seeds osmoprimed at -1.3 MPa for 6 h. Antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase) in treated seeds of Berseem clover were significantly increased compared to those in control group.