Fluctuation of oxidative stress indicators in Salix nigra seeds during priming.

Salix nigra seeds subjected to increased humidification show a decrease in normal germination (NG) during early imbibition followed by a recovery in that parameter at increasing imbibition times. Since photo-oxidized seeds contain high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), it is possible to infer that the atypical decrease in NG is a consequence of a higher ROS mobilization at early imbibition and the subsequent recovery from an increase in antioxidant activity. In this study, several oxidative stress indicators were evaluated in photo-oxidized seeds subjected to priming.