Evaluating the potential effect of seed priming techniques in improving germination and root shoot length of maize seed

Abstract

The present research was conducted under laboratory conditions. The purpose of research was to investigate the potential of priming with press mud, peat moss, sand, gunny bags, compost, farm yard manure and moringa leaf extract (MLE) on seedling growth and germination capacity of maize seed. Untreated or non-primed seeds were used as a control treatment. Priming treatments improved germination capacity, stand establishment and seedling vigor, compared with control. Priming with moringa leaf extract enhance germination and seedling vigor of maize seed, compared with the control and other seed primed treatments. In moringa leaf extract primed seeds, root and shoot growth was improved. Overall, moringa leaf extract primed maize seeds performed better than all other treatments and it could be related by seedling vigor enhancement and lowering the mean germination time, due to imbibition of higher quantity of water and earlier enzymatic activity. The results propose that moringa leaf extract priming treatment had the potential to enhance germination, stand establishment and early growth of maize seeds.