Study on yield and morphophysiological properties of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) affected by seed priming

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is one of the widely used medicinal plants. Seeds of this plant are heart-strengthening, invigorating, and toothache painkiller and cure bloody diarrhea and typhoid. Due to the tiny seeds, it needs to be cultivated at low depth of soil for successful establishment. Therefore, it is necessary to use the right method for its cultivation. In the present study, to improve the uniformity in seed germination and increase growth rate and coriander yield, three experiments were conducted as a randomized complete block design (field test) and a completely randomized design (laboratory and greenhouse tests). In the laboratory test, indole-3-acetic acid and humic acid and in the field test, indole-3-acetic acid, humic acid, gibberellin, and zinc improved coriander yield. Also, humic acid pretreatment reduced harmful fatty acids such as myristic acid and palmitic acid, phosphorus pretreatment increased total fat amount, and indole-3-acetic acid increased essential oil content compared to the control. In the greenhouse test, folic acid improved plant yield. Stepwise regression analysis indicated inclusion of seven properties in the predictive model with a determination coefficient of 0.97. Based on the traits correlation results, secondary vigor, root fresh or dry weight, and root diameter were consistent with total dry weight as a dependent trait (significant at the 1% probability level). Overall, coriander seed priming improved the biological functions of seeds, including germination and establishment, by affecting the metabolic, biochemical, and enzymatic status of the seeds. The present results showed that seed priming is a key technology to improve plant yield.