Germination, Growth and Yield of Wheat as Affected by Physical Priming Techniques

To study the effect ofphysical seed priming techniques on seed germination, growth and yield of a wheat cultivar (Triticum aestivum, cv. Falat), an experiment was conducted. Factors under study were ultrasonic intensity of 3 W.cm-2, laser wave of length of 6328 Å, magnetic field with intensity of 0.6 T, gamma and beta radiations both with intensity of 2 mc for 5 and 10 min and a control. Results indicated that effect of laser and magnetic field for 5 min was effective on duration germination as compared to other treatments. Seedling treated by magnetic field for 5 min resulted in greater vigor than ultrasonic and beta radiations. Seed weights, under magnetic field and gamma radiation treatments for 5 and 10 min were heavier (55.6 g) than other treatments. Seeds that treated with magnetic field for 5 min produced 21.5% more yield as compared to the control. Laser (for 5 min) along with gamma and magnetic field (for 5 and 10 min) radiations could produce yield up to 588 g.m-2. Seed yield in control plot was 71 g lower than those treated with laser for 5 min, gamma and magnetic field for 5-10 min radiations.