EVALUATION OF HYDRO PRIMING DURATION ON GERMINATION AND EARLY SEEDLING PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS) GENOTYPES

Authors

  • Y. L. Abdulrasak Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State
  • A. O. Oduntan Department of Horticulture and Landscape Management, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State
  • O. A. Oyetunde Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State
  • K. O. Sanni Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State
  • G. A. S. Benson Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State
  • K. G. Godonu Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State
  • O. O. Adenubi Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State
  • A. O. Nofiu Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State
  • S. C. Bona Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State

Keywords:

Genotypic variation, Vegetative traits, Seedling vigour

Abstract

Seed priming is a technique used to enhance seed germination and vigour. However, the effectiveness varies depending on priming duration and genetic background of seed. This study investigated how hydro priming duration influences germination and early seedling development in three maize genotypes. The experiment was a 5 x 3 factorial arrangement laid out in a completely randomised design with three replications, comprising five hydropriming durations (0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours) and three maize genotypes (EWH-107, PVAEH-11, and EYQH-55). Data were collected on germination parameters of germination percentage; germination index and vegetative traits of plant height, stem girth, leaf area, root length, number of leaves and seedling fresh weight.  Hydro priming had no significant effect on germination percentage and germination index. Priming for 12 and 48 hours produced longer radicle length compared to unprimed seeds. However, unprimed seeds significantly outperformed primed seeds across all vegetative parameters. Genotypic variation was observed among maize genotypes, with PVAEH-11 recording the tallest plants, but EWH-107 had longer root length and higher seedling weight. EYQH-55 and PVAEH-11 had greater germination rates than EWH-107. Positive correlations were found among vegetative characteristics. Principal component analysis identified the first three principal components accounted for 82% of the total variation. This study established that hydro priming enhanced specific germination traits, particularly radicle length. However, this effect did not reflect on vegetative development of maize. The significant genotypic impact on all assessed parameters indicates that genetic enhancement measures might be more effective than hydro priming in enhancing overall seedling vigour in maize. Genetic improvement of maize genotypes is recommended over hydro priming for enhancing early seedling vigour.

 

Author Biographies

Y. L. Abdulrasak, Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State

Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology,

Ikorodu, Lagos State

 

A. O. Oduntan, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Management, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State

Department of Horticulture and Landscape Management, Lagos State University of

Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State

 

O. A. Oyetunde, Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State

Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology,

Ikorodu, Lagos State

 

K. O. Sanni, Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State

Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology,

Ikorodu, Lagos State

G. A. S. Benson, Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State

Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology,

Ikorodu, Lagos State

K. G. Godonu, Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State

Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology,

Ikorodu, Lagos State

O. O. Adenubi, Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State

 

Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology,

Ikorodu, Lagos State

A. O. Nofiu, Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State

Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology,

Ikorodu, Lagos State

S. C. Bona, Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State

Department of Crop Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology,

Ikorodu, Lagos State

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Published

2026-06-23

Issue

Vol. 25 (2026)

Section

Articles