# Modifications in Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolites of Vigna unguiculata L. Seed Organs Induced by Different Priming Treatments

## TL;DR

This study explores how different seed priming treatments affect carbon and nitrogen metabolism in cowpea seeds, revealing that double hydropriming has the strongest impact on biochemical changes.

## Contribution

The novel finding is that double hydropriming induces more significant metabolic changes compared to other priming methods in Vigna unguiculata seeds.

## Key findings

- Double hydropriming strongly stimulates hydrolysis of protein and carbohydrate reserves in seeds.
- Priming treatments increase amino acids and soluble sugars while decreasing soluble proteins and starch.
- Double hydropriming induces greater metabolic modifications than single hydropriming.

## Abstract

Seed priming has become a promising technique in agriculture and crop-stress management. Several authors have shown that the positive effects of seed priming are associated with various metabolic, physiological, and biochemical modifications (enzyme activation, membrane repair, initiation of DNA/RNA, and protein synthesis) that enhance the speed, uniformity, and vigor of germination. However, the mechanisms underlying seed priming are not yet well understood. The aim of our work was to study the quantitative and qualitative metabolic changes in the embryonic axes (radicle and plumule) and cotyledons of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. Seeds were subjected to osmopriming with polyethylene glycol (PEG), simple hydropriming, and double hydropriming (a novel treatment). Results indicated that all types of priming, particularly double hydropriming, strongly stimulated the hydrolysis of protein and carbohydrate reserves. This resulted in a decrease in soluble proteins and starch contents and an increase in amino acids and soluble sugars contents. Moreover, the priming promoted the biosynthesis of osmolytes such as proline and induced qualitative changes in the composition of amino acids and soluble sugars. These biochemical changes depend on the organ and treatment method applied to the seeds. It is worth noting that double hydropriming induces metabolic modifications to a greater extent than single hydropriming.