Effect of seed priming on germination and yield of corn

ABSTRACT: This study was carried out in order to evaluate effect of seed priming on seed germination and yield of corn (Zea mays var S.C704) in Islamic Azad University, Pars Abad Moghan Branch, Iran, in 2011. The experimental design was two factors factorial on basis of randomized complete block design with four replications. The first factor was priming methods (control, ZnSO4, KH2PO4, KNO3 and H2O) and the second factor was priming duration (control, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours). Results showed that priming methods and duration increased germination percentage, germination rate, numbers of seed row, seed numbers in row, ear length, ear diameter, 1000-seed weight, biological yield, seed yield and harvest index. According to the results of this experiment, seed priming by H2O with 18 hours had an appropriate performance and could increase seed germination, seed yield and yield components to an acceptable level. Therefore, hydro-priming is a simple, low cost and environmentally friendly technique for improving seed yield in corn.