Effect of seed priming on morphological traits, seed protein and water use efficiency of two mid maturing maize hybrids in farm conditions

This experiment conducted to study the effect of on-farm seed priming using tap water and zinc sulfate solution with 0.03 % zinc on morphological traits, water use efficiency, leaf chlorophyll index and seed protein content of two mid-maturing maize hybrids. The trial was arranged in factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications and carried out in experimental research center of Bu-Ali university in 2011. Seed priming was first factor with three levels (priming with 0.03% zinc using Zinc sulfate for 16 hours, priming with tap water for 18 hours and control (no priming)) and maize hybrids were second factor with two levels (Single crosses 580 and 600). Results showed that on-farm seed priming especially with zinc sulfate solution increased emergence rate, plant height, ear height, ear length, ear diameter, chlorophyll index (spad value), biological water use efficiency, grain protein. The highest increase in these traits due to the prime with zinc sulfate compared to no-primed treatment related to emergence rate, ear length, ear diameter, spad value, biological water use efficiency and grain protein that were 46.7, 10.9, 13.4, 8.5, 9.3 and 11.5 respectively. Between two single cross hybrids of corn, 580 had a greater diameter but in terms of biological yield and response to priming treatments single. cross 600 was sup