Effect of Seed Priming With Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) On Phyllochron and Leaf Appearance Rate of Corn (Zea Maize L.)

In order to investigate the effects of seed priming with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on phyllochron and leaf appearance rate of corn, a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at the Research Farm of University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2008. Factors were: three corn cultivars (SC-404, SC-410 and SC-434) and seed priming with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in four levels (without priming, seed priming with Azosprilium, seed priming with Azetobacter and seed priming with Azosprilium +Azetobacter). The results showed that phyllochron, time between the appearance of successive leaves on a shoot, was significantly affected by corn cultivar, seed priming with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and interaction between of seed priming and corn cultivars. Seed priming with Azetobacter decreased the phyllochron but increased rate of leaf appearance. Response of corn cultivars was different to these characteristics. Leaf appearance rate in SC-404 was more than SC-410 and SC-434. The highest leaf appearance rate and the least of time for phyllochron was obtained with seed priming of SC-404 cultivar with Azetobacter. Leaf area index was increased due to seed priming with Azetobacter. In all of priming levels, process of variances leaf area index was similar until 37 days after sowing. From 44-65 days after sowing reached to a maximum level (4.96) and then decreased slowly till 79 days after sowing. This might be related to increasing aging of leaves, shadding and competition between plants for light and other resources. The highest leaf area index obtained in treatment combination of seed priming of SC-404 cultivar with Azetobacter and the least of it was in without priming. Number of leaf per plant and leaf dry matter increased in seed priming with Azetobacter. Thus, it is suggested that in order to increase leaf appearance rate, number of leaf per plant and leaf area index, seeds priming of SC-404 cultivar with Azetobacter be applied in conditions of Ardabil Plain.