Effect Of Micronutrient Seed Priming On Maize (Zea Mays L.) Germination And Seedling Growth

Deficiency of micronutrients is a major limitation to crop productivity. Agronomic practices such as nutrient seed priming could significantly improve crop establishment in poor infertile soil. However, the effectiveness of this practice depends on the efficacy of priming procedures. To address the issue of low maize yield, an experiment to highlight the effects of nutrient seed priming concentration of copper sulphate and ferrous sulphate on maize germination, seedling emergence, and early growth was carried out at the College of Natural Resources Management, Bardibas, Mahottari, during October 2023. Khumal Seto variety of maize was used. Three concentrations—1%, 0.1%, and 0.5%—were used for the experiment. Seed priming concentration levels had significant effects on the speed of germination, vigor index, and root shoot length. These parameters were improved by priming at low concentrations of micronutrients. Priming with 0.5% FeSO₄ resulted in earlier seedling emergence and faster seedling growth over the control. The earlier seedling emergence could have contributed to superior fresh and dry seedling mass as well as both higher root and shoot ratios over the control. Furthermore, nutrient seed priming enhances the total germination percentage, which could ultimately lead to better crop yield. This research suggests that with the optimum micronutrient concentration level, we can improve germination and seedling growth and thus maximize yield parameters.