THE EFFECT OF HYDRO-PRIMING ON GERMINATION OF MAIZE SEEDS

Abstract

Hydro-priming of seeds responded very well to improve germination and emergence of many Agronomic crops. Among different strategies to cope with germ inability issues, hydro priming is an easy, low cost, and low risk technique. Seed priming is as pre-sowing treatment in water or in an osmotic solution that allows seed to imbibe water to initiate the first stages of germination, but prevents radicle protrusion through the seed coat. Rapid and uniform field emergence is an essential prerequisite to reach the yield potential, quality, and ultimately profit in annual crops. Establishment of an adequate stand is also important for grain yield of crops and is uncertain in most of the tropical areas because available soil moisture at planting is often marginal for plant growth. Water stress during seed germination is among the most widespread abiotic stresses limiting seedling emergence, which ultimately reduces crop productivity. Seed germination is a process that involves several phases, beginning with the uptake of water by dry seeds and ending with emergence. Based on current knowledge, several methodologies have been developed to manipulate this process in order to produce beneficial effects on crops. The hydro-priming of maize seeds is one technique that has been used to lower the in-field germination time. The objective of the present study was to measure the effect of different hydro-priming times on maize seeds and the subsequent germination and seedling emergence. The study used four levels of hydro-priming levels (0 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours and 12 hours soaking). The results demonstrated that hydro-primed seeds for 4 and 8 hours, germinated more rapidly in comparison with the control and 36-hour treatment. Yield was also affected as a function of the imbibition time.