Influence of seed priming on physiological performance of fresh and aged seeds of maize hybrid [COH(M) 5] and its parental lines

摘要

Laboratory and field studies were conducted to evaluate the influence of seed priming on physiological parameters of fresh and aged seeds of maize hybrid [COH(M) 5] and its parental lines UMI 285 (female) and UMI 61 (male). Seeds were soaked in water, 1% KH₂PO₄, 3% KNO₃ and 2 % CaCl₂ solution for 6 hours. The results revealed that seed priming with 1% KH₂PO₄ for 6 hours showed an increased physiological performance in fresh and aged seeds of UMI 285, UMI 61 and [COH(M) 5]. The increased physiological performance was observed in terms of increased germination percentage, shoot length, root length, dry matter production and vigour index; accompanied with earlier germination in terms of days to 50% germination and days to maximum germination. Increased field emergence potential was also observed in the seeds primed with 1% KH₂PO₄ for 6 hours. However, more pronounced effect of seed priming with 1% KH₂PO₄ for 6 hours was observed in aged seeds than in fresh seeds.