Seed Priming Influence on Growth, Yield, and Grain Biochemical Composition of Two Wheat Cultivars

The influence of seed priming on the growth, amino and fatty acids contents of two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cvs. Keumkang and Backjung were evaluated through pot experiments in greenhouse and at field conditions. Four priming treatments involving three soaking media: 2.5% potassium Chloride (KCl), 1% potassium Sulfate (K₂SO₄),distilled water (H₂O) and unprimed (dry seeds) as the control were laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications for each experimental condition. Under greenhouse condition, 1% K₂SO₄ priming enhanced growth and yield of wheat, while 2.5% KCl reduced the dry matter yield in Keumkang, but not in Backjung. In field condition, 1% K₂SO₄ improved the growth of both cultivars and increased the yield of Backjung, while 2.5% KCl in Keumkang had the lowest yield. Overall, this study showed that seed priming with 2.5% KCl and 1% K₂SO₄ triggered specific changes in the Amino Acids (AA) and Fatty Acids (FA) compositions in grain and had carry-over effects on the plant’s metabolic adjustments, which were specific to the cultivar and the growing environmental conditions. The compositional changes in AA and FA induced by seed priming have a profound impact on grain and flour quality of wheat.