Evaluation of Priming Techniques for Enhancement of Maize Inbred Line Seed Germination Parameters.

Due to inadequate germination, emergence, and seedling stand establishment of inbred lines, hybrid seed multiplication results in poor performance and nonuniform seedlings in the field. Therefore, to assess the effect of various seed priming methods on maize inbred line seed germination measures, a laboratory experiment with 22 treatments in a completely randomized design with four replications was carried out in a controlled environment of Ambo Seed Quality Control Laboratory, Oromia Agricultural Input and Product Regulatory Authority. The treatment consisted of seeds that were hormone‐primed in gibberellic acid (GA3) at levels of 100, 200, and 300 ppm; haloprimed in ZnSO4 at levels of 1%, 2%, and 3%; and hydroprimed in distilled water for 12, 24, and 36 h. As a control, unprimed seeds were utilized. The study revealed that priming agent, duration, and their interactions had a significant (p < 0.5) effect on the examined seed germination metrics. The maximum germination percentages (96.5% and 96.25%) were recorded from seeds primed with 2% ZnSO4 for 24 and 12 h, which improved by 11.56% and 11.27%, respectively. Priming the inbred line seed with GA3 at 200 ppm for 36 h improves germination index and vigor index I and reduces mean germination time. Seeds primed with 3% ZnSO4 and GA3 at 200 ppm for 36 h gave the maximum root length (15.31 cm) and shoot length (13.50 cm), respectively, compared to the control treatment. Therefore, to improve the germination problem of the maize inbred line, it is advised seed producers to use a 2% ZnSO4 solution for 24 h. However, if ZnSO4 and GA3 are not available, hydropriming for 36 h is more cost‐effective, produces less waste, and is easier to implement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]