Seed priming stimulates germination and early seedling establishment of Corethrodendron multijugum under drought stress

Seed priming can alleviate the negative effects of drought stress. The present study focused on exploring the effects of seed priming, drought and their interaction on the germination characteristics of Corethrodendron multijugum. We attempted to standardise an appropriate priming method for C. multijugum seeds by comparing the effects of various priming methods and drought stress on seed germination and seedling establishment to provide theoretical basis and technical support for subsequent cultivation and production. The results indicated that seed priming, drought stress and their interaction significantly (P < 0.01) affected all seed germination parameters and seedling establishment parameters, and germination was significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with early seedling establishment under drought stress. Of the different priming agents used in this study, water, 0.5% KMnO4, 0.3% H2O2 and 5% PEG-6000 significantly (P < 0.05) promoted seed germination and seedling establishment in C. multijugum. Among them, 0.5% KMnO4 was the most effective in alleviating the effects of drought stress on germination and early seedling establishment. Morphologically, the beneficial effects of priming can be attributed to increased seed germination, elongation and biomass accumulation of seedlings.