Determination of optimal duration and concentration of zinc and phosphorus for priming wheat seed

A series of experiments were conducted in laboratory at The University of Agriculture, Peshawar to determine the optimal duration and maximal concentration of zinc (Zn) and phosphorus (P) for priming wheat seed. The seeds were soaked through a range of durations (0, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48 h) and tested for germination as surface dry and dried to original moisture (12%). Seed soaked for 18 h resulted in higher mean germination and final germination whereas less time to 50% germination. Primed surface-dry seed performed better than the seed dried to original moisture content. However, primed dried seed were better than the non-primed seed. In other experiments, seeds were primed for 18 h in various concentrations of Zn (0.05%, 0.1%, 1%, 2.0% and 3.0%) and P (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 3% and 5%) along with dry and water soaked seeds as control treatments. The seeds were evaluated for germination as surface dry, washed and dried to original moisture, and non-washed dried to original moisture. Seed primed in 0.1% Zn or 0.5% P took less time to 50% germination and resulted in higher mean germination and final germination. The maximal permissible concentrations of Zn and P for priming wheat seed proved to be 0.1% and 0.5%, respectively. The Zn and P primed seeds were also analyzed, as washed and non-washed, for Zn and P concentrations, respectively. Zinc and P concentrations in the seeds were enhanced with increase in Zn and P concentration, respectively, of the priming solution. Non-washed seed contained Zn and P almost in double concentration than that of washed seed.