Effect of Seed Priming on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Wheat

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) is essential for various enzymatic, ionic, and metabolic processes, particularly during seed
germination. This study is aimed to evaluate the impact of different zinc soaking solutions on the germination and
early growth of wheat seeds. A field experiment was laid out at the Soil Fertility Research Institute Tandojam.
Randomized complete block design was used with plot sizes of 4 × 5 meters (20 m²), and included four treatments: T1 - distilled water (control), T2 - 2% zinc sulfate, T3 - 2% zinc nitrate and T4 - 2% zinc chelate, each treatment was
replicated three times. The seed germination percentage, root length, number of seeds germinated plot-1, speed of
emergence, seed vigor index, and number of leaves plant-1 were observed. Results indicated that zinc treatments
significantly enhanced seed germination and seedling growth compared to the control. Seeds treated with zinc sulfate
(T2) exhibited the highest germination rate at 89%, the longest root length averaging 2.0 cm, the highest seed vigor
index, emergence and maximum 5 number of leaves plant-1. Zinc chelate (T4) followed closely with an 87%
germination rate, root length of 1.9 cm and 5 number of leaves plant-1. Zinc nitrate (T3) showed a germination rate of
85% with an average root length of 1.7 cm and 4 number of leaves plant-1 whereas the control (T1) had the lowest
values in all parameters as compared to zinc soaking treatments. These findings underscore the significant benefits of
zinc supplementation, particularly with zinc sulfate and zinc chelate, in improving wheat seed germination, root
development, and overall seedling vigor, thereby potentially enhancing crop productivity.

Keywords: Zinc seed soaking, wheat germination, seed priming, early seedling growth, zinc biofortification.