Evaluation of the Effect of Different Priming Treatments on the Seed Germination of Maize (Zea mays. L) Based on In Vitro Conditions

Abstract

Seed germination is one of the basic and vital stages in the plant life cycle which is affected by many factors. Different techniques can be used to enhance germination and crop yield like seed priming that is considered as a physiological treatment that improves seed performance and provide faster and synchronized germination The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of different priming methods on the seeds germination of hybrid maize (hybrid Tikrit variety) with tow durations (12, 18 hours) under laboratory conditions. Seeds were subjected to hydro- priming, hormonal priming with gibberellic acid and salicylic acid, priming with liquorice extract, and the interaction among them in comparison with the control (dry seeds). A laboratory screening was conducted at the faculty of Agricultural/ Tikrit University during in March 2021 using a complete randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. The results showed that hydro- priming for 12 hours have recorded a significant increase in the level of most of the germination parameters {first and final seed germination% (86.67%, 84.00%), plumule and radical length (8.750 cm, 6.633 cm), first and final seedling vigor index (136.6, 130.8), speed of germination (1.889 seed/day), response index (-0.0412), mean of seedling fresh weight (0.7120 gm), and seed vigor (16.21)}. The maximum mean seedling dry weight was recorded to the treatment of the interaction with salicylic acid and liquorice extract, and hydro-priming (15.3000 mg) for 18 hours. While the parameter of daily seed growth rate did not give any significant differences. Results proved the effectiveness of the 12 hours hydro- priming treatment than the rest of the treatments.