Micronutrient seed priming improves maize (Zea mays) early seedling growth in a micronutrient deficient soil

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiency is a major constraint to crop productivity in South Africa. Agronomic interventions such as nutrient seed priming (NSP) could significantly improve stand establishment in micronutrient deficient soils. However, the effectiveness of the technique depends on the efficacy of the priming procedures. Laboratory and glasshouse studies were carried out to determine the effects of NSP concentration of Zn, B and Mo and priming duration on maize germination and seedling emergence and early growth in micronutrient deficient soils. Five concentrations: 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 0% (control) and three priming durations: 24 h, 12 h and 8 h were used for the laboratory experiment whilst the 0.5% concentration and 8 h duration were excluded in the glasshouse experiment. Seed priming duration and concentration levels and their interactions had significant (P < 0.05) effects on germination percentage (GP), germination rate (GR), the coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), days to germination (DG) and mean germination time (MGT). These parameters were improved by priming at low concentration of the micronutrients for longer. Similarly, under glasshouse conditions, NSP at the lowest concentration but for the longest duration resulted in up to 50% earlier seedling emergence over the control. Priming with 0.01% Bo reduced the number of days to seedling emergence by 94%, increased fresh and dry seedling mass and chlorophyll content index by 29%, 47% and 58% respectively relative to the control. The earlier seedling emergence could have also contributed to superior fresh and dry seedling mass as well as both higher shoot and root mass over the control. Moreover, NSP enhanced chlorophyll content index, which could have ultimately led to better shoot growth. This suggests that with optimum micronutrients concentration levels and appropriate priming duration NSP can improve germination and seedling growth and hence maximization of the yield parameters.

Impact of LFGD (Ar+O2) plasma on seed surface, germination, plant growth, productivity and nutritional composition of maize (Zea mays L.)

“…Another micronutrient Zn plays a vital role in a plant's nitrogen metabolism in plants; as a result, it improves protein quality; it also plays a key role in photosynthesis [ 52 ]. The high concentrations of Zn, B and Mo micronutrients will help to increase the maize seed germination, emergence and stand establishment [ 53 ]. In such a way, Zn is effective in increasing production [ 54 ].…”

Zinc Nutrition for Improving the Growth and Yield of Barnyard Millet (Echinochola frumantacea L.)

“…As compared to foliar spray, the growth of barnyard millet was highly improved by the soil application of zinc sulphate. The accessibility of micronutrients played a vital role in protein synthesis and enzyme activities of crops besides helped in effective utilization of applied NPK which might have led to improved growth attributes [21].…”

Seed nutripriming with zinc is an apt tool to alleviate malnutrition

“…The concentration and duration of nutripriming are two essential characteristics that influence it and it varies from crop to crop, depending on its genetic makeup. Priming in larger concentrations for longer periods of time resulted in a decrease in growth metrics in most crops, possibly due to phytotoxic effects (Nciizah et al, 2020 ). As a result, preliminary research must be conducted to determine the optimal nutrient content and duration for improving crop growth, production and quality.…”