The effects of priming treatments using seaweed suspensions on the water sensitivity of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) caryopses

Two seaweed suspensions, one prepared from Ascophyllum nodosum (Linnaeus) Le Jolis (ANS), another from Laminaria hyperborea (Gunn.) Foslie (LHS), were evaluated for their effects on the water sensitivity of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seeds. Priming in either seaweed suspension did not reduce viability. Priming in ANS was beneficial to seeds germinated in elevated water levels. The suspension of A. nodosum reduced the water sensitivity of barley seeds better than either water or polyethylene glycol (PEG) priming treatments. ANS also reduced the microbial population on the seeds by 86%. The hygroscopic properties and the antibiotic effect of the suspension of A. nodosum resulted in greater oxygen availability to the embryo, enabling more seeds to germinate under oxygen deficient conditions.