The effect of salicylic acid solution on germination and seedling growth indices in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L.)

Quinoa is a plant from the Chenopodiaceae family with a high capability for growth in dry and semi-dry conditions. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of salicylic acid priming on the germination and growth indices of quinoa varieties. The experiment was conducted in a factorial design within a completely randomized layout with 4 replications in the Plant Science Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University in 2023. The experimental factors included four quinoa varieties (Giz1, Q14, Q29, Titicaca) and seed priming treatments of 0, 2, 4, and 6 mM. The analysis of variance results indicated that the effects of cultivar, salicylic acid, and the interaction between cultivar and salicylic acid on germination and seedling growth indices were significant at the one percent probability level. Comparing the mean levels of salicylic acid at each cultivar level revealed that each cultivar responded differently to the application of salicylic acid. Seed priming with salicylic acid was not effective in improving germination indices in quinoa cultivars; however, significant differences were observed among different cultivars regarding seedling growth indices under seed priming conditions with salicylic acid. Specifically, seed priming with salicylic acid did not play a significant role in improving seedling growth indices and related traits in the Giz1 and Titicaca cultivars, while the growth response of the Q29 and Q14 cultivars to seed priming with salicylic acid was positive. Ultimately, seed priming with 4 mM salicylic acid is recommended for the Q29 and Q14 cultivars.