Priming Duration Research Articles

Effect of Green Synthesized Silver and Zinc Nanoparticles on Seed Quality OF Maize

Nanotechnology is an emerging science and has wide applications in agriculture. Green synthesized nanoparticles are safer, cost effective and eco-friendly over chemical and physical synthesis. The laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of green-synthesized silver and zinc nanoparticles on seed quality of maize hybrid (GH-150125) during 2023-24 at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. Green synthesis of silver and zinc nanoparticles were mediated through neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract is as reducing and capping agent. The standardization for effective concentration and priming duration for silver and zinc nanoparticles were standardized from different concentrations of (250 ppm, 500 ppm, 750 ppm and 1000 ppm). For priming effective duration were standardized from six, eight and twelve hours inclusive of hydropriming and control (untreated). The effective concentrations of 250-750 ppm and duration of 8 h and 6 h from AgNPs and ZnNPs recorded higher respectively as compared to control and hydropriming. In laboratory, the seed treated with zinc nanoparticles at 750 ppm for 6 h recorded significantly higher germination percentage of (97 %), shoot length (21.53 cm), root length (20.17cm) and seedling vigour index I (4045) compared to control. Hence, the results conclude that ZnNPs at 750 ppm for 6 hours was superior as seed treatment in maize to enhance seed germination and seedling growth than other treatments.

A new dawn for coriander seeds: Overcoming dormancy through innovative and comprehensive enhancement techniques

Coriandrum sativum an important spice exhibits lower seed germination. That may be due to phenolic compounds that induce dormancy in seeds. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive seed enhancement technique to overcome dormancy and improve germination and seedling growth. Seeds were subjected to GC-MS analysis to identify bioactive components. Seeds were leached for 6 to 30 h (Leaching). Following leaching, hydropriming for 3 to 18 h to standardize the priming duration. At the standardized priming duration, seeds were primed with hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, salicylic acid and 2,4-D (leaching + priming). Additionally, leached seeds were coated with polymer and plant growth-promoting microorganisms such as Azospirillum, Trichoderma viride and Bacillus subtilis (leaching + coating). Finally, the best-performing treatments from these experiments were compared with comprehensive technique. The results revealed that coumarin was the primary inhibitor. Leaching (24 h) significantly improved germination by 25.8 % over control. The duration of priming was standardized to 6 h after leaching. Leaching (24 h) + priming with 25 mM H2O2 (6 h) significantly increases germination percentage by 30.7 % over control. Leaching (24 h) + coating with polymer and Azospirillum at 100 g/kg of seeds significantly increased germination by 32.8 % over control. Assessment of the comprehensive techniques revealed that seed leaching (24 h) + priming with 25 mM H2O2 (6 h) + coating with polymer and Azospirillum at 100 g/kg significantly increased the germination percentage by 39 % over control. Results show that a comprehensive technique breaks dormancy and improves germination and seedling growth.

Effects of priming duration and rhizosphere bacteria metabolite concentration on the germinability of cowpea, soybean, sesame, and okra seeds

Seed priming enhances germination and growth, which are important determinants of crop yield. This study was carried out to assess the effect of priming duration and metabolite concentration on the priming of five (5) crops using the metabolites of five (5) bacterial isolates. The crop seeds were treated in the cold-extracted metabolites of the five isolates at five (5) different priming durations (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h) and then in five metabolite concentrations (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg/L) of the five extracted metabolites at the optimal priming duration determined in the first experiment. Characterization of the cold-extracted metabolites was also carried out using gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results revealed that priming cowpea and soybean seeds for longer durations (< 3 h) could hinder their growth and development. Lower concentrations were observed to be optimal for cowpea and soybean, but for sesame and okra, there was no detectable pattern with metabolite concentration. The GC-MS revealed the presence of some molecules (e.g. hexadecanoic acid) that have shown plant growth promotion potential in other studies. This study showed that seeds with large endosperms, such as those of cowpea and soybean, are more prone to the harmful effects of treatment for longer durations. Further experiments should be undertaken to isolate and purify the bioactive moieties for further studies and application.

Optimizing Seed Priming Duration and Copper Levels for Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Germination and Vigour

Background: An experiment was carried out in the STR Laboratory, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, MP, during the Rabi season of 2022-2023 to determine the impact of seed priming time and copper levels on seed germination and vigour characteristics of the coriander seedlings. Method: The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications and 12 treatment combinations of Copper levels (0, 300, 400 and 500ppm) and soaking duration (14, 16 and 18 h). Results: The outcomes demonstrated that priming treatments had a noteworthy impact on seedling germination and vigour traits. Significantly higher germination (82%), least mean germination time (7.9 days), maximum germination index (22.83), longest radicle (17.30 cm) and plumule length (13.09 cm), maximum vigour index-I (2374.05 cm) and vigour index-II (12.29 g) and lowest mortality rate (18%) was observed when seeds were primed with Cu @ 500 ppm soaking for 16 h. Success of crop production depends on quality of seeds and it’s germination percentage. Quality of seed susceptible to diverse climatic conditions resulting poor vigour and germination. Since availability of quality seed of coriander is very low, seed priming is an excellent technique which improves germination and better crop stand.

Effects of priming duration and rhizosphere bacteria metabolite concentration on the germinability of cowpea, soybean, sesame, and okra seeds.

Seed priming enhances germination and growth, which are important determinants of crop yield. This study was carried out to assess the effect of priming duration and metabolite concentration on the priming of five (5) different crops, using the metabolites of five (5) bacterial isolates. The crop seeds were treated in the cold-extracted metabolites of the five isolates at five (5) different priming durations (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h) and then in five metabolite concentrations (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg/L) of the five extracted metabolites at the optimal priming duration determined in the first experiment. Characterization of the cold-extracted metabolites was also carried out using gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results revealed that priming cowpea and soybean for longer durations (< 3 h) could hinder their growth and development. Lower concentrations were observed to be optimal for cowpea and soybean, but for sesame and okra, there was no detectable pattern with metabolite concentration. The GC-MS revealed the presence of some molecules (e.g. hexadecanoic acid) that have shown plant growth promotion potential in other studies. This study showed that seeds with large endosperm, such as, cowpea and soybean, are more prone to the deleterious effects of treatment for longer durations. Further experiments should be carried out to isolate and purify the bioactive moieties for further studies and onward application.

Investigating the effects of nutrition priming on germination indicators, the concentration of elements in seeds, and growth rate in the initial stages of Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.)

Insufficient stand establishment and low seedling development of Persian Clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.) are major problems. A study involving laboratory and greenhouse conditions was conducted to determine seed priming effects on germination rate and growth index. To determine the best time for seed priming, pre-experiments were performed for 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 h. Afterward, germination parameters were measured in the laboratory by 16 different nutrient priming (B, Fe, Mg, Ca, and a combination of these) and two priming duration (one and two hours selected from pre-experiment). The greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the ability of nutrition priming with B + Fe + Mg + Ca to compensate for the deficiency of these soil nutrients where growth index (CGR and LAI) and SPAD index were measured in four treatments (control, nutrition priming, Nitrogen as starter fertilizers and nutrition priming + Nitrogen as a starter). Laboratory data for pre-experiment showed that one and two hours of hydro priming was suitable for clover seed. One hour of hydro priming led to a significant increase in germination rate (20%), length (26%) and weight (10%) vigor. Control, Priming with B + Ca, B + Mg and B + Mg + Ca led to highest germination percentage (≈96%), also B + Ca caused the highest length and weight vigor (61 and 2.22). The greenhouse experiment data illustrated that nutrition priming increased by about 10% in TDW, 23% in LAI, and 4% in SPAD index in the first 40 days of early growth stages, but increased by 27% in CGR, 47% in LAI, and 10% in SPAD index if combined with the application of nitrogen as a starter fertilizer.

Effects of hormone sources on developmental competence of oocytes by ovum pickup in Japanese black cattle

Japanese Black (Wagyu) cattle donors were primed with different protocols and sources of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) for successive ovum pickup (OPU) and embryo development after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Following OPU, retrieved cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were subjected to IVF, and resulting blastocysts were transferred into recipients to evaluate implantation capability. Experiment 1: The best blastocyst development (45.3 %) and embryo yields (5.0/donor/OPU) were found with oocytes retrieved from donors treated with FSH (STIMUFOL®, Belgium) at a dosage of 150 IU per donor, compared to two others commercial FSH sources. Experiment 2: There were no differences in embryo development or yield with STIMUFOL FSH (total FSH 150 IU/donor) at a priming duration of either 60-h (Regime 1, six FSH injections) or 36-h (Regime 2, four FSH injections). Experiment 3: Compacted COCs required 22–26-h maturation in vitro (IVM) before IVF for optimal blastocyst development (36.1–41.1 %); however, short (18-h) and prolonged (30-h) IVM duration resulted in lower embryonic development. In contrast, expanded COCs resulted in inferior blastocyst development compared to compacted COCs. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that the ratio of 89.8 % cumulus compacted COCs were at the germinal vesicle (pachytene) phase while 98.9 % cumulus expanded COCs went through spontaneous meiosis from meiotic metaphase I, anaphase I, telophase I to metaphase II upon OPU retrieval (P<0.05). Pregnancy rates were not different among three FSH sources or different FSH treatments as long as embryos reached the blastocyst stage. Our study found that different sources of FSH used for Wagyu donor priming prior to OPU resulted in differential embryo development potentials, but those embryos that reached out to blastocysts had a competent implantation ability.

Effects of priming duration and concentration of metabolites from rhizosphere bacteria on the germinability of cowpea, soybean, sesame, and okra seeds

Seed priming enhances germination and growth, which are important determinants of crop yield. This study was carried out to assess the effect of priming duration and metabolite concentration on the priming of five (5) different crops, using the metabolites of five (5) bacterial isolates. The crop seeds were treated in the cold-extracted metabolites of the five isolates at five (5) different priming durations (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h) and then in five metabolite concentrations (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg/L) of the five extracted metabolites at the optimal priming duration determined in the first experiment. Characterization of the cold-extracted metabolites was also carried out using gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results revealed that priming cowpea and soybean for longer durations (&lt; 3 h) could hinder their growth and development. Lower concentrations were observed to be optimal for cowpea and soybean, but for sesame and okra, there was no detectable pattern with metabolite concentration. The GC-MS revealed the presence of some molecules (e.g. hexadecanoic acid) that have shown plant growth promotion potential in other studies. This study showed that seeds with large endosperm, such as, cowpea and soybean, are more prone to the deleterious effects of treatment for longer durations. Further experiments should be carried out to isolate and purify the bioactive moieties for further studies and onward application.

Chitosan-GSNO Nanoparticles and Silicon Priming Enhance the Germination and Seedling Growth of Soybean (Glycine max L.).

Soybean, a major legume crop, has seen a decline in its production owing to challenges in seed germination and the development of seedlings. Thus, in this study, we systematically investigated the influence of various chitosan-S-nitrosoglutathione (chitosan-GSNO) nanoparticle (0, 25, 50, and 100 µM) and Si (0, 0.5, and 1 mM) priming concentrations on soybean seed germination and seedling growth over five different priming durations (range: 1-5 h at each concentration). Significant differences were observed in all parameters, except seedling diameter, with both treatments. Seed germination was significantly enhanced after 3 h of priming in both treatments. The final germination percentage (FGP), peak germination percentage (PGP), vigor index (VI), seedling biomass (SB), hypocotyl length (HL), and radical length (RL) of 100 μM chitosan-GSNO-nanoparticle-primed seeds increased by 20.3%, 41.3%, 78.9%, 25.2%, 15.7%, and 65.9%, respectively, compared with those of the control; however, the mean germination time (MGT) decreased by 18.43%. Si priming at 0.5 mM increased the FGP, PGP, VI, SB, HL, and RL by 13.9%, 55.17%, 39.2%, 6.5%, 22.5%, and 25.1%, respectively, but reduced the MGT by 12.29% compared with the control treatment. Chitosan-GSNO and Si treatment up-regulated the relative expression of gibberellic acid (GA)-related genes (GmGA3ox3 and GmGA2ox1) and down-regulated that of abscisic acid (ABA)-related genes (GmABA2, GmAAO3, and GmNCED5). Chitosan-GSNO and Si application increased bioactive GA4 levels and simultaneously reduced ABA content. Hence, the use of exogenous chitosan-GSNO nanoparticles and Si as priming agents had a beneficial effect on seed germination and seedling growth because of the up-regulation in the expression of GA and down-regulation in the expression of ABA. Additional research is needed to understand the combined impact of Si and chitosan-GSNO nanoparticles, including their effects on the expression levels of other hormones and genes even in the later growth stage of the crop.

Effect of Seed Priming on Germination Behavior and Emergence of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different priming treatments on the germination, seedling emergence, speed of emergence, vigour index, seedling length, and seedling fresh weight of wheat seeds at the School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bangladesh Open University, Gazipur, from November to December 2022. Four treatments: Hydro Prime (T1), 2% KCl (T2), 1% KNO3 (T3), and 10% PGE-6000 (T4) were administered, and assessments were conducted Following two intervals viz., 12 and 24 hours of priming. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) followed by four replications. Notably, 2% KCl consistently demonstrated the highest germination rates, reaching 97.50% after 24 hours of priming. 1% KNO3 also performed well, outclassing other treatments in enhancing germination rates. While Hydro Prime generally exhibited lower germination rates and remained respectable. In terms of emergence, 1% KNO3 consistently showed the highest rates, followed by 10% PGE-6000 and 2% KCl. Hydro Prime displayed lower emergence rates, particularly at the 12-hours. The speed of emergence increased for all treatments, with 2% KCL consistently outperforming others, reaching 45.55% after 24 hours. Longer priming durations consistently resulted in higher vigour index values, with 2% KCL exhibiting the highest at 11.40 after 24 hours. The impact on seedling length varied; 1% KNO3 was most effective after 24 hours, reaching 25.27 cm, while 10% PGE-6000 excelled after 12 hours at 26.92 cm. 1% KNO3 also yielded the highest seedling fresh weight (0.23 gm) after 24 hours, with 2% KCl showing significant increases (0.21 gm). Hydro Prime consistently demonstrated the lowest weights. From the present study, it may be concluded that 2% KCL and 24 hours of seed priming is useful to achieve uniform germination, seedling emergence, and vigour index in wheat.

The Impact of Glucose-induced Priming on Nutrients Accumulation and Certain Primary Attributes of Brassica napus L. Under the Saline Regimes

In the present study, the response of primary attributes (seedling growth, percent emergence, seedling fresh and dry biomass, and seedling moisture contents) and nutrient contents (Calcium, Magneisum, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper) of Brassica napus L. was evaluated as a function of glucose-induced priming and salinity. The priming comprised 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes of seeds soaking in glucose solution (0.50 M) and salinity stress was simulated by the solutions of 0, 15, 18, 21, and 24 milli Molar (mM) NaCl. The results revealed that doses of salinity induced significant changes in the fresh weight of Brassica napus L. The response of selected nutrients (except Magnesium) as a function of salinity was also highly significant (P≤0.05 %). The salinity doses reduced plants' mineral contents (except Mn) compared to control. The priming of seeds for 90 minutes significantly (P≤0.05 %) enhanced certain early growth traits (plumule growth, radical growth, fresh weight and dry weight) of Brassica napus. On the other hand, for improving germination (%) and moisture contents (%) of Brassica napus, soaking durations of 30 minutes and 60 minutes are more suitable. The pre-soaking of seeds for 60 minutes increased the Calcium, Magnesium and Manganese contents (mg/litre) of Brassica napus. The Iron and Zinc contents (mg/litre) showed hype in seedlings raised from seeds primed for 30 minutes. The priming of seeds for 90 minutes was found to be stimulatory for Copper (mg/litre) only. The influence of factors interaction (treatments × priming durations) on the initial growth attributes and the studied minerals of Brassica napus L. was highly significant (P≤0.05 %). From the gathered evidence, the present study concludes glucose as a potent priming agent that can boost oil-yielding plants' performance under saline conditions.

Optimizing bitter gourd ( Momordica charantia L.) performance: exploring the impact of varied seed priming durations and zinc oxide nanoparticle concentrations on germination, growth, phytochemical attributes, and agronomic outcomes

Optimizing bitter gourd ( <i>Momordica charantia</i> L.) performance: exploring the impact of varied seed priming durations and zinc oxide nanoparticle concentrations on germination, growth, phytochemical attributes, and agronomic outcomes

Effect of Seed Priming Duration with Bio-Stimulator (Appetizer) on Germination Characteristics and Seedling Emergence of Sorghum

Two factorial experiments were conducted. One of them was laboratory experiment which was carried out at the Laboratory of Agricultural Engineering Sciences College, University of Baghdad during 2023. The other was conducted at the lath house with used the pots during spring season of 2023. The aim was to investigate the effect of seed priming duration with bio-stimulator (Appetizer) on germination characteristics and seedling emergence of Sorghum. The design of Lab. experiment was (CRD) while for the other experiment was (RCBD) with four replications. Each experiment consisted of two factors. The first factor included seeds priming treatments with bio-stimulator (Appetizer) concentrations (1, 2 and 3) ml l-1 and seeds soaking in distilled water, in addition to unsoaked seeds treatment (dry seed). The second factor was included seeds priming periods that is (8,16 and 24) h in room temperature. The results of Laboratory experiment showed that sorghum seeds primed with appetizer concentrations 3 ml l-1 gave highest averages of germination percentage in the first count, germination percentage in the final count, radical length, plumule length, seedling dry weight and seedling vigour index. While the comparision treatment (dry seed) gave the lowest averages for these characteristics and the priming period (24h) gave highest averages of germination percentage in the first count, germination percentage in the final count, radical length, plumule length, seedling dry weight and seedling vigour index. The results showed that iteration between the factors (seeds priming treatments with Appetizer and seed priming duration ) has significant effect in most characterstics. The results of pots experiment showed that sorghum seeds primed with appetizer concentrations 3 ml l-1 gave highest averages of emergence percentage in the first count and emergence percentage in the final count. The priming period (24h) gave highest averages of emergence percentage in the first count and emergence percentage in the final count.

Hydropriming improves seed germination in horned melon (Cucumis metuliferus E. Mey. Ex Naudin) landraces

The global popularity of horned melon highlights the need of sound crop establishment processes, since uniform and quick seed germination has a substantial influence on crop yield and quality. Using a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) with a factorial structure, the effects of hydro priming durations (0, 8, 16, 24, 32, and 40 h) on seeds of two horned melon landrace (L1&amp;L2) were investigated. Hydro priming had significant (P&gt;0.05) influence on several germination indices (germination percentage, relativized percentage, mean germination rate, germination index, synchronization, duration to 50 % germination, mean daily germination, peak value, and germination value). Among the germination indicators tested, landrace (L2) exhibited a considerably stronger germination response than L1. The findings also reveal a curvilinear relationship between priming length and germination percentage, with 24 hours being greatest proportionately. The mean germination rate, germination index, mean daily germination, peak value of germination, and germination value all rose as the hydro priming duration increased. Primed seeds germinated more quickly than unprimed ones. With increasing priming duration, the synchronization index fell linearly. The interaction between landraces and hydro priming was not significant (P&gt;0.05) for final seed germinated, relativized germination, and synchronization indices, but it had a significant impact on all other indices. Because the efficacy of hydro priming tends to lessen with extended soaking, we recommend using it for a maximum of 32 hours. Future study should concentrate on alternative priming chemicals and the applicability of various priming solutions for various agroecosystems

Efficacy of KNO3 and priming duration for improving germination, seedling growth, and antioxidant enzymes of Keluss (Kelussia odoratissma Mozaff)

Germination is a vital factor affecting plant survival and seedling establishment direct planting in fields. Medicinal plant (Kelussia odoratissma Mozaff) with the name Keluss is an aromatic plant species with high industrial value in essential oil from the Apiaceae family. Due to seed dormancy and unprincipled harvesting of natural resources, this valuable native species of Iran has become extinct. There is little information about how and treatment to break the dormancy of the valuable medicinal plant Keluss. In this research, pre-germination priming with the osmotic solution was used to improve the germination percentage of Keluss. Seeds in a Petri dish with concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6%) of KNO3 solution at a constant temperature of 2 °C for 12, 24, 48, and 72 h were placed in the growth chamber. Germination percentage was different based on the duration of priming and the concentration of priming. Based on the germination percentage 14 days after absorption, the most promising priming conditions were treatment with 0.4 and 0.3% KNO3 for 72 h at a constant temperature of 2 °C and 0.2 to 0.4% KNO3 for 48 h. Both concentrations of 0.3% and 0.4% in 24, 48 and 72 h showed a reasonable germination percentage of more than 85%. Improvement in growth and increase in antioxidant activity was observed in concentrations of 0.2 to 0.4 and 48 and 72 h. Priming with concentrations of 0.2 to 0.4% of KNO3 for 48 and 72 h is a recommended method for better domestication and conservation that can practically increase germination and antioxidant enzymes at 2C in the Keluss. In conclusion, the seed priming with KNO3 due to improve germination performance of Keluss can enhance germination percentage and seedling growth characteristics.

Vegetative growth, yield quality, and phytochemical accumulation of Abelmoshus esculentus L. (Moench) influenced by priming with potassium nitrate

Seed priming is a promising technique that can improve the growth and yield of plants under optimum conditions. The specific priming duration and concentration required for adequate vegetative growth, yield quality, and phytochemical accumulation of Abelmoshus esculentus need clarification. This study was evaluated under screen house conditions, using a completely randomized design (CRD) approach. The seeds of Abelmoshus esculentus were subjected to priming with potassium nitrate for 6 and 12 h duration at a concentration of 0.5 and 1.00 mM while unprimed seeds served as the control. The results revealed that the primed seeds showed improved vegetative growth, yield components, and phytochemical constituents compared to the unprimed control seeds. This observation was irrespective of the priming duration and concentration of potassium nitrate used. Moreover, seeds primed for a 6 h duration at 1 mM were significantly higher in yield, fruit mineral, and phytochemical constituents compared to other treatments. At 12 h priming duration, seeds primed in 0.5 mM of potassium nitrate had higher growth and yield than at 1 mM. Priming with inorganic salts such as KNO3 induces faster growth and maximum crop yield of Abelmoshus esculentus. Priming for a short duration (6 h) 3 and at high concentration is sufficient to enhance the growth process and increased yield of Abelmoshus esculentus and has practical implications in the production of Abelmoshus esculentus .

Furrows and, to a Lesser Extent, Seed Priming Improve Restoration Success in the Sagebrush Steppe

Seeding of native perennial species commonly fails in the presence of invasive annual weeds. The ability of weeds to deplete soil moisture through early germination and rapid growth gives them a competitive advantage. A possible solution to help native species compete with weeds is to enhance their germination rate and growth. We primed seeds of bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) and Lewis flax (Linum lewisii) in a matrix of compost, clay, and biostimulants for 4−7 d. We used an extrusion technique to incorporate the seed and priming matrix into pellets for the priming duration that had the quickest germination. We evaluated primed seeds in pellets at two field sites against seeds in pellets that were not primed and seeds left untreated (control). Seed treatments were planted in shallow (1-cm) and deep (15-cm) furrows, in a complete factorial design, with the expectation that the deep furrow treatment would provide an enhanced microsite to improve plant growth. Results indicated that deep furrows were the strongest driver in enhancing seedling establishment, while priming showed a smaller contribution. In the first month after planting, a combination of priming and furrowing increased seedling emergence by 128% and 303%, for bluebunch wheatgrass and Lewis flax, respectively, compared with control seed planted in shallow furrows. The following year, primed bluebunch wheatgrass and Lewis flax seeds in deep furrows increased plant biomass by 158% and 110%, respectively, compared with control seed in shallow furrows. Overall, this study generally indicates that the rapid germination of primed seeds and the use of deep furrows may assist seedlings in establishing, which may allow them to better compete with invasive weeds.

Optimization of 'on farm' hydropriming conditions in wheat: Soaking time and water volume have interactive effects on seed performance.

Seed priming is a simple and cost effective method to obtain a better plant stand under diverse environmental conditions. The current study was designed to determine the optimal priming duration and water volume for wheat seed. For this experiment, three wheat genotypes with distinct genetic and adaptive backgrounds were chosen. Seeds of each genotype were hydroprimed for 7 durations, i.e. 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 hours, in three different water volumes, i.e. half, equal, and double volume with respect to seed weight and then surface dried for 1 hour. The control was unprimed (dry) seed. The germination characteristics and seedling vigour potential of hydroprimed seeds were evaluated in the lab by recording several parameters such as germination percentage and speed, seedling growth, and vigour indices at two different temperature levels. The results showed that optimal duration for hydropriming of wheat seed is 12 hours with an equal volume with respect to original seed weight, closely followed by 8 hours with double volume. Reduction in seed performance was observed at 16 and 20 hours priming particularly at double volume treatment. Effect of temperature on seed germination showed improvement in seedling vigour at 25°C when compared to 20°C, although effect on germination percentage was non-significant. Volume of water and priming duration showed significant interactive effects demonstrating that a higher volume can give equivalent results at a shorter duration and vice versa. Another experiment was also conducted to compare the on-farm priming (surface dried seed) with conventional priming (seed re-dried to original moisture) taking 3 potential durations i.e. 8, 12 and 16 hours. Results revealed that both priming methods were statistically at par in terms of germination percentage, while, surface drying resulted in better seedling vigour and speed of germination.

Effects of Osmo-priming Duration on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seed Germination and Seedling Parameters

The study was conducted to determine the effects of osmo-priming duration on the germination and seedling parameters of rice seeds. Two rice varieties FARO 44 and FARO 59 were used for the study. Three osmo-priming chemicals (Calcium chloride CaCl, Potassium nitrate KN03 and Polyethylene glycol PEG6000) and four priming duration's (Control, 12, 24 and 36 hours in the above chemical solutions) as treatments in the study. Data were collected on the following parameters; final germination percentage, germination rate index, mean germination time, coefficient of velocity of germination, seedling height, seedling fresh weight and seedling dry weight. For most of the parameters, osmo-priming duration was statistically significant. The results showed that chemical priming treatments had significant effect on final germination percentage, mean germination time, germination rate index, coefficient of velocity of germination, seedling height and seedling weight of rice seeds. Primed with KNO3, PEG6000 and CaCl solution for a period of 24 - 36 hours is a remarkable technique for improving seed germination and seedling growth of rice. The no priming treatment showed the lowest final germination percentage, mean germination time, germination rate index, coefficient of velocity of germination, seedling height and seedling weight of rice seeds. Therefore, the present study concludes that improvement of germination capacity and rapidity of germination of rice seed could be possible by employing osmo-priming duration treatments.

Impact of zinc on yield, nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status in rainfed pea-maize sequence under high phosphorus regime soils of Northwestern Himalaya

Field trials were conducted at the experimental farm of Hill Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Bajaura, Kullu, during kharif (summer crop) and rabi (winter crop) seasons from 2014–2015 to 2015–2016 to investigate the impact of zinc (Zn) on yield, nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status in rainfed pea-maize sequence under high phosphorus regime soils of Northwestern Himalaya. The various priming levels of Zn (water soaking- without zinc, 1%, 2% and 3% of ZnSO4) with three priming durations (4, 8 and 12 hours) were compared with basal dose of recommended NPK + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha−1 and farmers’ practice (absolute control). The yield of pea crop was maximum with 1% ZnSO4 priming duration of 12 hours, whereas maize crop yield was highest with 2% ZnSO4 priming duration of 12 hours. The nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) uptake of pea pods and stover was highest with 1% ZnSO4 priming for 12 hours duration, whereas the N, P and K uptake of maize grains and stover was registered highest with 2% ZnSO4 priming for a period of 12 hours. The results showed a positive impact on the crop yield and uptake, while no significant improvement was noticed in soil nutrients status after harvest.