Effect of Seed Priming with Different Agents on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Maize( Zea mays L. ) Under Water Deficit Stress

Seed of Zhongdan 509 maize( Zea mays L.) was primed with PEG and SA of different concentrations,0. 1% zinc sulphate,0. 1% copper sulphate,0. 1% sodium sulphate,1 mg / L sodium thiosulfate,100 mg / L calcium chloride and 100 mg / L potassium chloride. The primed seeds were subjected to drought stress of15% polyethylene glycol( PEG) 6000 in standard germination test and a sand culture experiment. The effect of the seed priming with different agents on seed germination and seedling growth under water deficit stress were investigated. The treatment of 5% PEG had the best effects among all treatments. The growth of seedling was inhibited while the accumulation of dry weight was reduced. Compared with control under the water deficit stress,seeds primed with 5% PEG had higher emergence rate,higher height of seedling and length of roots,higher dry weight of seedling and the content of chlorophyll,reducing the rate of electrolyte leakage,improving the drought resistance of maize at germination and seedling stages.