Effect of priming agents on seed germination of three corn species

This study determines the effect of different priming agents (water, sodium chloride, potassium nitrate and calcium sulphate) on seed germination and sprout development in Guinea corn (Sorghum bicolor), millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and popcorn maize (Zea mays var everta ). Different concentrations of the priming agents (5, 10, 15 and 20 g/l) were used for a period of 24 hours and the primed seeds planted on Petri dishes at the same time. At the end of five days germination, effects of each of the priming agents were as follows; (water: 2.67±0.00, 13.67±0.00 and 6.33±0.00); (NaCl: 3.84±0.70, 12.08±0.74 and 2.75±0.96); (KNO3: 3.17±0.79, 11.67±0.27 and 2.75±0.96) ; (CaSO4 : 4.25±1.66, 13.50± and 5.25±0.32) respectively for popcorn maize, guinea corn and millet germination. Priming of seeds generally increased germination and caused a rapid increase in growth of plumule and root. It was discovered that all the priming agents supported germination with calcium sulphate topmost in some cases among them. All the priming agents used were effective in aiding seed germination in popcorn maize and sorghum more than in millet.Keywords: germination, seed, seed priming, seedling development