Influence of priming with exogenous boron on the seed vigour of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Alfalfa seeds were primed with 0, 0.1 %, 0.3 %, 0.6 %, 1.2 %, 2.4 % and 4.8 % (W/V) concentration of borax solution for 0 (control), 3, 6, 9 and 12 h at 20°C. The results showed that the vigour of alfalfa seeds were very significantly (P < 0.01) related to boron concentration, priming time and their interaction, they were enhanced by the opportune concentration of boron priming, but were restrained by high concentration of boron. Priming with 0.1 % boron for 6 h was the best treatment for using to improve the seed vigour of alfalfa.