Appraisal of the effects of Osmo-priming and Hydro-priming treatments on the seeds of corn (Zea mays L.) cultivars.

In order to evaluate the effects of different treatments of Hydro-priming and Osmo-priming on germination features of corn cultivars single cross 499 and 524 two sets of completely randomized experimental designs in three replications were carried in 2012. The treatments studied included subjecting the seeds for 12 or 24 hours to polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) at three concentrations (5, 10, and 15 percent), Potassium nitrate (KNO3) at three concentrations (1, 2, and 3 percent), potassium chloride (KCl) at three concentrations (1, 2, and 4 percent), and also a control (with no priming). Results obtained showed that the maximum germination rate (19.02) for Sc 499 was achieved by priming for 24 hours with PEG (at 5%), and the minimums (2.86) by priming with KNO3 at three percent for 24 hours (2.86) and with KCL at four percent at 12 and 24 hours (8.14 and 2.35 respectively). It was shown that the maximum germination percentage (90.66 %) for this cultivar (Sc 499) observed with PEG (5 %) and the minimum one obtained with KNO3 at three percentage (36 %) at 24 hours. It was also observed that the hydro-priming treatment was more effective as compare to the Osmo-priming for Sc 524. The maximum germination percentage (100 %) for Sc 524 obtained with the application of KNO3 at 3 percentage at 12 hours and KCL at 4 percentage for 24 hours. It was over ally shown that the studied factors, including the germination rate and percentage, the lengths of the radicles and sprouts and seedlings as well as their ratios, exhibited ascending trend when higher concentrations of Osmo-priming compounds were used. These compounds showed their greatest effects when used at low concentrations.