Priming enhances germination of spring maize (Zea mays L.) under cool conditions

Abstract

Summary Reduction and delay in the germination of spring maize (Zea mays L.) may be a problem due to low soil temperatures and low water potentials. However, seed priming is used to improve rate and speed of germination, and expand temperature limits for germination under normal and stressful conditions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the physiological and biochemical basis of primed maize seeds under low temperature conditions. Maize seeds were subjected to hydropriming, hormonal priming with 100 mg L