Seed priming with zinc ion on growth performance and nutrient acquisition of maize in aridisols

Worldwide, maize is a common cereal crop and likewise in Pakistan. Zinc is essentially vital for optimum growth and development of crops. Deficiency of Zn is prevalent in Pakistan. In order to determine growth and yield response of maize as a result of seed priming with Zn, a field experiment was conducted under arid climatic conditions. Priming of maize seeds was done with Zn metal using different solutions. Total 7 treatments with 4 replications were applied using randomized complete block design (RCBD), T1= untreated seeds with recommended dose of NPK (control), T2= Priming with 1% solution of ZnSO4 + NPK, T3= Priming with 2% solution of ZnSO4 + NPK, T4= Priming with 3% solution of ZnSO4 + NPK, T5= Priming with 0.5% solution of Zn-EDTA + NPK, T6= Priming with 1.5% solution of Zn-EDTA + NPK, T7= Priming with 3% solution of Zn-EDTA + NPK. Standard procedures were employed for recording observations regarding plant growth parameters. Statistical software statistics 8.1 was employed for analysis of compiled data and least significant difference was adopted for comparison of means. Priming of maize seeds with 4% of ZnSO4 solution resulted in maximum plant growth and grain yield. However, maximum concentration of Zn was observed in grain where priming was done with Zn-EDTA solution. Mineral content of maize seeds significantly upgraded with priming of seeds with Zn containing solutions. Further, growth and yield parameters of maize were also improved significantly by this approach.