The Effects of Different Seed Priming Chemicals on Germination and Seedling Growth Rate of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Lesotho

Abstract— Maize is grown widely in Lesotho as a staple crop for the nation and is accepted in cultural dishes. Its productivity is low necessitating importation from neighboring South Africa. Low productivity is attributed to low germination rate and poor stand in the field. The objective of the study is to identify the most potent chemical compounds that enhance high germination and seedling growth rate of maize. The study was conducted at the National University of Lesotho domiciled in Maseru, Lesotho. The experiment was performed in the laboratory of Department of Crop Science. Complete Randomized Design with PANNAR Seed Company maize cultivar of PAN 12 and four priming chemical compounds varied in amounts and duration immersed in the solutions. Chemical compounds were Indole Butyric Acid, Calcium chloride, Sodium chloride and Copper sulphate, while distilled water was control. Seed germination and seedlings parameters measured were germination rate, germination percentage, germination index, radical length, plumule length, plumule fresh weight and dry weight, radical fresh weight and dry weight, and coleoptile length. Data from parameters were subjected to perform Analysis of Variance and least significant differences. Results showed no significant difference among concentrations of Indole Butyric Acid on all parameters. Three other chemical compounds revealed significant to highly significant differences. Priming maize seed with Calcium chloride for a duration of 18hrs to 24hrs increased seed germination and seedling growth rate significantly. Similarly, varying concentrations of Calcium chloride compound used showed significantly different responses on measured parameters of maize seed. Moreover, results on copper sulphate indicated that the higher the concentration of copper sulphate, the lower the maize seed germination and seedling growth rate. In conclusion, maize seed primed with water generated better results compared Sodium chloride, Calcium chloride and Copper sulphate based on sequence of potency.