Effect of priming on seed quality and storability of maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids
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Date
2019-11
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CCSHAU, Hisar
Abstract
Seed priming is reported as a beneficial technique by researchers in many crops, in which seeds are soaked in water for limited imbibition time to allow reversible stage of germination but no protrusion of radical. Seed deterioration is a continuous process which can‘t be stopped but it can be slow down by using suitable packaging materials (containers). Hence, the study was conducted to assess the effect of priming on seed quality and storability of five maize hybrids collected from public and private seeds sectors viz., PMH-1, IIMRNH 2015-3, IIMRNH 2015-4, P3396 and Dekalb 9144 during 2018-19. The seeds were primed with double quantity of distilled water, KH2PO4 (2.0%), KNO3 (1.0%) and GA3 (50 ppm) for 17 hours at room temperature and then dried to original moisture content for 24 hours at 34.5o C temperature (average). Then the seeds were stored in polythene & cloth bags and seed quality was assessed at 3 months interval till 9 months. The results revealed that priming reduced the viability of the seed considerably but the rate at which the priming reduced the viability of seed varied with the hybrids and treatments. Reduced viability of the seed was associated with priming duration, temperature, quantity of solution and method of priming. Likewise primed seed had shorter storability, average germination of primed seed dropped below IMSCS in both containers after 3 months of storage. Dekalb 9144 and IIMRNH-2015-4 maintained average germination above IMSCS (Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards) for 6 months in polythene bag. Moreover, KH2PO4 (2.0%), KNO3 (1.0%) maintained germination above IMSCS in Dekalb 9144 even after 9 months storage in both containers. Reduction in seed quality of primed seed might be associated with increased sensitivity of primed seeds to deteriorative factors such as temperature, oxygen and moisture content due to weakening of protective structures of the seed and reduced antioxidant enzyme activities. It is concluded from the study that priming of fresh maize hybrid seed for 17h at high temperature (Day 40oC and Night 29oC) reduces the quality of the seed. Priming technique must be standardized before its application for its beneficial effects; otherwise it may adversely affect the seed quality. Priming should be used as pre-sowing, not as pre-storage treatment. Polythene bags (with thickness >700gauge) are more suitable to maintain the seed quality as compared to cloth bags.