Effect of Seed Priming with ZnSO4 and KH2PO4 on Seed Viability of Local Maize (Zea mays L) Seeds Stored for Five Years in Iraq

An experiment was achieved to explore the effect of priming techniques on viability characteristics of storage local maize seeds for five years, an experiment was conducted at the Seeds obtained directly from the field of Babil governorate during the season of (2009-2010) and stored until 2014. Seeds were treated for 6 hours at 25 Cº with priming media (2% and 4% of KH2PO4, 0.5% 1.5% of ZnSO4, hydro-priming and untreated seeds as control). Maximum seed germination percentage, germination speed index (GSI), seedling vigour index (SVI), root length, shoot length, seedling length, seedling fresh and dry weights were observed when the seeds treated with (2% KH2PO4 0.5 ZnSO4) compared with control.