Seed Priming for Enhancement of Seed Quality in Quality Protein Maize (QPM) (Zea mays L.)
Anusha Reddy A. *
Department of Seed Science and Technology, S. V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, India.
Rupesh Kumar Reddy B.
Department of Seed Science and Technology, S. V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, India.
Vasundhara S.
Department of Seed Science and Technology, S. V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, India.
Narasimhulu R.
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, R A R S, Nandyal, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
An investigation was carried out with HQPM-5 maize hybrid and its parental lines HKI-163 and HKI-161 seeds during rabi 2022-23 to evaluate the effect of liquid biofertilizers (Azospirillum, Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and Potassium solubilizing bacteria) on seed quality attributes in Quality Protein Maize (QPM) genotypes. The seeds were subjected to different concentration and duration of hydropriming and biopriming (Concentration: 10,15 and 20%; Duration: 6,12,18 and 24h). The non primed seeds were used as control. HQPM-5 seeds bioprimed with combination of Azospirillum @ 20 % + Phosphorous solubilizing bacteria @ 20 % + Potassium solubilizing bacteria @ 20 % at 12h (T9) recorded higher seed quality i.e., germination, field emergence, root length, shoot length, seedling length, seedling fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, seedling dry weight, seed vigour index I & II, nitrogen and protein content and lower EC of seed leachates than the parental lines, HKI-163 and HKI-161. The overall performance of female parent was found to be better compared to the male parent.
Keywords: Liquid biofertilizers, Quality Protein Maize (QPM), biopriming, hydropriming