Priming Urochloa ruziziensis (R.Germ. & Evrard) seeds with signalling molecules improves germination.

As forage production increase, high-quality seeds demand follows. Priming have been reported as a technique for improve seed quality and stress tolerance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the priming agents effect on Urochloa ruziziensis seed germination and seedling establishment under water deficit and salt stress. A completely randomized experiment assessing six priming agents and three germination conditions were established. We evaluated: seed water content; germination percentage and speed index; viability of seeds remaining from the germination test; seedling length; antioxidant enzymatic activity; and malondialdehyde quantity. Seeds primed under water deficit and salt stress showed better physiological performance than dry seeds. There was a significant increase in seed germination percentage and speed and in seedling roots and shoots length. Sodium Nitroprusside shows significant potential for use in the physiological priming of U. ruziziensis seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]