The germination of seed batches of two rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) hybrids (‘Hybrirock’ and ‘Factor’) were investigated in response to priming in aqueous solutions of ascorbic acid (10 mM), L-cysteine (10 mM) and triacontanol (1 μM), respectively tap water (as control treatment). Investigations were focused on seed quality parameters, such as germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index, uniformity of germination, and seedling shoot and root growth. Germinated seeds were counted every 24 hours for a period of seven days, recording the final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), the coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), germination rate index (GRI), germination index (GI), uncertanty (U), and synchrony (Z). In a separate trial fresh shoot- and root length, respectively the dry weight of the shoots and roots were also determined after a 14 day period. Germination tests were performed to examine the quality of seeds in response to different priming treatments. The results demonstrated that priming improved the germination parameters of seeds of both hybrids. Furthermore, the use of ascorbic acid, L-cysteine and triacontanol also enhanced seedling growth. The results may be used to rank seed lots by vigor, and decisions can be made regarding planting potential of each seed lot.
