Influence of Nano-Priming on Festuca ovina Seed Germination and Early Seedling Traits under Drought Stress, in Laboratory Condition

Aims Germination stage is one of the most sensitive stages to drought stresses and if the plant is able to tolerate stresses in this stage, it can pass the later growth stages. Priming could improve germination of seeds under stress. Materials & Methods Experiment was carried out using a randomized complete block design. 25 seeds were placed in petri dish under drought stress with polyethylene glycol 6000 in three levels of 0, -6 and -12 bar. After 14 days, it was found that the germination percent in these seeds was low (>40%). Then nano priming was used to improve seed germination attributes. Treatments were; control, silver nanoparticles with the concentrations of 25, 50 and 75%. Findings Data analysis of variance indicated that influence of nano priming, drought stress, and their interaction was significant on root and shoot length, wet and dry weight, vigor index, allometric coefficient and mean germination time (p≤0.01). Results showed that PEG stress had a negative effect on seeds germination. an‎d an increase of silver nanoparticles concentration improves F. ovina seed germination and seedling traits. The maximum of GP (86%), SG (6N/D), Vi (5), AC (6) and MGT (7.08d) were recorded for seeds nano primed in the stress of 0 level. Conclusion Nano-priming is an impressive technique to the betterment of seedlings germination and growth of F. ovina. In the most studied indices, nano-priming 75% had the greatest influence. Before planting to restore of rangelands, to promote the establishment and growth of planted F. ovina it is recommended to prime seeds with nano-silver particles.