Effect of seed priming and seed rate on yield attributes and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

To achieve a solid plant stand, the plant's life cycle goes through several key stages, including unequal seed germination, weak and early seedling development, which eventually leads to low crop output. We widely recognise that seed priming boosts germination, shortens seedling emergence time, and increases plant yield and yield-contributing characteristics. A field experiment was carried out during the Rabi season to investigate the influence of seed priming and seed rate on wheat performance. The experiment was set up in a factorial randomised block design with three replicates. The treatments comprised four distinct priming techniques and three different seed rates of wheat (HD-2967), viz., P1-no. seed priming (dry seed), P2-seed priming with water, P3-seed priming with 1% KNO3, and P4-seed priming with 1% CaCl2, and three different seed rates, viz., S1-100 kg ha-1, S2-125 kg ha-1, and S3-150 kg ha-1. The results showed that seed priming with 1% CaCl2 resulted in significantly higher plant height, number of tillers, dry matter, and LAI at various growth stages (25, 50, 75, 100 DAS, and maturity), which was comparable to seed priming with a 1% KNO3 solution and significantly superior to the unprimed control. Seed priming with a 1% CaCl2 solution increased grain yield (3977 kg ha-1), number of ear heads (275.61 m²), length of ear head (11.29 cm), number of grains per ear head (46.17), and test weight (41.11 g). It was statistically comparable to seed priming with 1% KNO3, but significantly superior to seed priming with water and dry seeding. and 100 kg ha-1 seed rate.