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Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(1): 2936-2948 International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 01 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com Original Research Article https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.701.352 Effect of Seed Priming on Rain-Fed Maize and Pea in a Sequence under Mid Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India Munish Sharma1* and D.K. Parmar2 1 Department of Soil Science, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176062, India 2 CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Hill Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, Bajaura-175125, Kullu, India *Corresponding author ABSTRACT Keywords Seed priming, Maize-pea, Growth parameters, Yield, Rain-fed Article Info Accepted: 26 December 2017 Available Online: 10 January 2018 Seed priming techniques for maize and pea crop are not well established for rain-fed agroclimatic conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Keeping this in view, a study was carried out for two years (2014-15 and 2015-16) at the experimental farm of Hill Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, Bajaura, Kullu. Four priming levels of Zn (0% ZnSO 4-water soaking, 1% ZnSO4, 2% ZnSO4 and 3% ZnSO4) and three priming durations (4 hours, 8 hours and 12 hours) were compared with basal dose of recommended NPK + ZnSO4 and farmers’ practice (absolute control). Seed priming with 0% ZnSO 4 (water soaking) resulted in higher germination of pea and maize than other priming levels. Therefore, water soaking for a period of 12 hours may be used for enhancing emergence and better seedling growth in pea and maize crop. Most of the growth characters of pea crop were improved due to priming with 1% ZnSO4 for 12 hours, however such characters in maize crop were found to be better using 2% priming solution of ZnSO4 for a period of 12 hours. The yield of green peas, maize equivalent yield were maximum due to priming with 1% ZnSO 4 for 12 hours duration, however, yield of maize grains was highest with treatment combination of 2% ZnSO4 priming for 12 hours duration. It may be concluded that priming of pea seeds for 12 hours with 1% ZnSO4 and that of maize seeds for 12 hours using 2% solution of ZnSO4 was useful for proper germination, better crop establishment and yields enhancement. Introduction Maize-garden pea is most important cropping system under rain-fed conditions, being adopted by the farmers in Himachal Pradesh. However, significant yield losses in maize and pea are expected to increase with global climate change in key production areas. Water scarcity is major constraint which is beyond the control of farmers. Hence, increasing water use efficiency for enhanced drought tolerance can be achieved by involving agronomic practices like seed priming (Harris et al., 2005). However, the priming technique of maize and pea crop is not well established. Although quite a good number of works have been done on seed priming of maize in abroad but under Indian condition in general and 2936 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(1): 2936-2948 Himachal Pradesh in particular, such works are a few. Before priming any crop seeds the knowledge of safe limits of priming concentration and duration is very important to get maximum effect. important initial physico-chemical characteristics of the experimental site (0-0.15 m) are provided in Table 1. Therefore, considering the beneficial effects of seed priming on germination and vigour which help in maintenance of optimum plant population and to obtain expected yield level, the present study was undertaken with the objectives (1) to determine appropriate concentration of zinc sulphate for seed priming of pea and maize seeds and (2) to find out the effect of seed priming with zinc on growth and yield of maize and pea Field trials were conducted for two years during 2014-5 and 2015-16 taking maize and pea in a sequence. The experiment consisted of four priming levels (0 % ZnSO4 -water soaking, 1% ZnSO4, 2% ZnSO4 and 3% ZnSO4) and three priming durations (4 hr, 8 hr and 12 hr), which were compared with Recommended basal NPK + ZnSO4 and farmers’ practice (40% N of RDF + unprimed seed – control). The treatments were replicated thrice in a factorial RBD. Experimental details Materials and Methods Seed priming Experimental site The experimental site was Research Farm of Hill Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, Bajaura, Kullu (31°84´ N latitude and 77°16´ E longitude), which is located at an altitude of 1090 m above mean sea level. Climate Agro-climatically, the study location represents zone II of Himachal Pradesh and is characterized by hot dry summers, sub humid rainy season and cool winters. The region receives an average rainfall of 873 mm per annum and major portion of rainfall (about 55%) is received during winter and dry spell are common from October to December. Soil characteristics The soil of the experimental site at initiation of the experiment was slightly acidic in reaction, medium in organic carbon, silty loam in texture, medium in available nitrogen and potassium and high in phosphorus and DTPAextractable Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu. Some Four priming levels of ZnSO4 namely 0 % (water soaking), 1%, 2.0% and 3%) used. The solutions of Zinc Sulfate were prepared by dissolving 10, 20 and 30 g of ZnSO4 (21% Zn) per litre of distilled water to make 1%, 2.0% and 3% solution. Approximately 30 g seeds of maize and 170 g that of pea were soaked in one litre of water for 4, 8 and 12 hours. Similarly the above mentioned quantity of seeds was soaked in distilled water separately for 4, 8 and 12 hours. After soaking, the seeds were dried in shade until seed coat become dry. Fertilizers All the plots received recommended dose of N: P: K fertilizers and FYM (25:60:60 kg ha-1 + 10 t ha-1 for pea and 120:60:40 kg ha-1 + 10 t ha-1 for maize). The source of N, P and K fertilizer was urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash, respectively. The whole quantity of P and K fertilizers along with FYM and half dose of N were applied at the time of maize sowing and remaining N was top dressed as two equal splits. In pea crop, 2937 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(1): 2936-2948 whole quantity of fertilizers and FYM was applied at the time of sowing. Plant stand of pea and maize crop Effect of priming level Results and Discussion Germination of pea and maize seeds Effect of priming level The data revealed that maximum germination of pea and maize seeds was recorded in case of 0% ZnSO4 (water soaking) followed by priming with 1% ZnSO4. However, the priming beyond 1% ZnSO4 recorded reduced germination during both years as well as on pooling the data for two years (Table 2). Effect of priming duration The results showed that germination of pea and maize seeds increased with increasing duration of priming from 4 to 12 hours and maximum germination was recorded for 12 hours (Table 2). Interaction effect The data revealed that germination of pea and maize seeds was not influenced due to interaction among priming levels and their duration, during both years and pooling the data for two years (Table 2). Population of pea and maize plants was significantly different among priming levels and highest population was observed for 0% ZnSO4 (water soaking) followed by priming with 1% ZnSO4, 2% ZnSO4 and 3% ZnSO4, indicating that increasing concentration of ZnSO4 decreased plant stand (Table 3). Effect of priming duration The results showed that plant population of pea and maize varied significantly among varying priming durations and maximum plant population was observed for 12 hours (Table 3). Interaction effect The interaction among priming levels and their duration was significant for plant population of pea crop during both years and on pooled the data and priming with 1% ZnSO4 for 12 hours recorded maximum plant population. The plant stand of maize crop was significantly influenced due to priming levels and their duration and it was observed that highest population was recorded using 2% priming solution of ZnSO4 for a period of 12 hours (Table 3). Priming vs Basal ZnSO4 Priming vs Basal ZnSO4 The data indicated that priming was found significantly superior to soil application of ZnSO4 and significantly increased germination of pea and maize seeds during both years and upon pooling the data (Table 2). Priming exhibited a significant effect on plant stand of pea and maize crop as compared to soil application of ZnSO4. The priming treatments significantly increased plant stand over soil applied ZnSO4 (Table 3). Control vs others Control vs others It is clear from the data that control treatment had low germination than other treatments (Table 2). The findings indicated that other treatments were found superior to control and treatments 2938 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(1): 2936-2948 had significantly higher plant stand of pea and maize when compared with control (Table 3). Effect of priming duration Different priming durations exerted a significant effect on plant height of pea and maize during both years and the maximum plant height was noticed due to priming for 12 hours (Table 4). Plant height of pea and maize crop Effect of priming level The height of pea plants varied significantly among priming levels and priming with 1% ZnSO4 produced taller plants as compared to other priming levels. The height of pea plants observed decrease with increasing concentration of ZnSO4 from 1% to 3%. However, maximum height of maize plant was recorded for 2% ZnSO4 and minimum for 3% ZnSO4 (Table 4). Interaction effect The pooled height of pea plants was significantly impacted due to interaction among treatments and taller plants were produced due to priming with 1% ZnSO4 for 12 hours (Table 4). However, no such interaction was observed among treatment for plant height of pea and maize during individual year. Table.1 Initial soil physico-chemical properties of experimental site (0-0.15 m depth) S.No. Soil property Value Mechanical separates (%) i. Sand 19.7 Silt 62.6 Clay 16.4 Texture Silty loam Soil pH ii. 6.1 -1 Organic carbon (g kg ) iii. + 6.3 -1 iv. CEC [c mol(p ) kg ] v. Available Nutrients (kg ha-1) 11.5 Nitrogen 225.8 Phosphorus 27.8 Potassium vi. 169.2 -1 DTPA extractable micronutrients (mg kg ) Fe 7.23 Mn 2.28 Zn 1.27 Cu 1.35 2939 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(1): 2936-2948 Table.2 Effect of priming levels and their duration on seed germination (%) of pea and maize Treatments A. Priming Level 0% Zn (water soaking) 1% ZnSO4 2% ZnSO4 3% ZnSO4 LSD (P=0.05) B. Priming Duration 4 hours 8 hours 12 hours LSD (P=0.05) Interaction A × B Soil application vs priming Soil application Priming LSD (P=0.05) Control vs Others Control Others LSD (P=0.05) 2014-15 Pea 2015 Maize 2015-16 Pea 2016 Maize Pooled pea Pooled maize 91.2 88.7 84.3 69.0 2.0 93.2 90.7 86.3 71.0 1.8 92.0 89.3 85.7 68.8 1.9 94.0 91.4 87.7 70.8 2.0 93.6 91.0 87.0 70.9 1.5 93.6 91.0 87.0 70.9 1.5 80.5 83.3 86.2 1.7 NS 82.5 85.3 88.2 1.6 NS 81.5 83.9 86.5 1.7 NS 83.5 85.9 88.5 1.7 NS 83.0 85.6 88.3 1.3 NS 83.0 85.6 88.3 1.3 NS 78.0 83.3 2.6 80.0 85.3 2.4 76.5 83.9 2.5 78.5 86.0 2.5 79.3 85.6 1.9 79.3 85.6 1.9 74.3 82.9 2.6 76.3 84.9 2.3 73.0 83.4 2.5 75.0 85.4 2.5 75.7 85.1 1.9 75.7 85.1 1.9 Table.3 Effect of priming levels and their duration on plant stand of pea and maize Treatments A. Priming Level 0% Zn (water soaking) 1% ZnSO4 2% ZnSO4 3% ZnSO4 LSD (P=0.05) B. Priming Duration 4 hours 8 hours 12 hours LSD (P=0.05) Interaction A × B Soil application vs priming Soil application Priming LSD (P=0.05) Control vs Others Control Others LSD (P=0.05) 2014-15 Pea 2015 Maize 2015-16 Pea 2016 Maize Pooled pea Pooled maize 222491 221720 205000 165000 371 78261 75213 74152 60836 406 222505 221735 205014 165013 358 78272 75225 74164 60962 445 222498 221727 205007 165007 346 78267 75219 74158 60899 296 202980 203560 204119 321 642.6 71553 72099 72695 352 703.7 202994 203574 204132 310 619.2 71567 72095 72806 385 770.3 202987 203567 204125 299 598.6 71560 72097 72750 256 512.7 171448 203553 473 55330 72116 518 172667 203567 456 55342 72156 567 172057 203560 441 55336 72136 377 171325 201083 472 55187 70824 516 172402 201190 454 55198 70862 565 171863 201137 439 55192 70843 376 2940 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(1): 2936-2948 Table.4 Effect of priming levels and their duration on plant height (cm) of pea and maize Treatments 2014-15 Pea 2015 Maize 2015-16 Pea 2016 Maize Pooled pea Pooled maize 0% Zn (water soaking) 82.8 221.1 78.2 224.6 80.5 222.9 1% ZnSO4 88.8 234.3 84.2 237.2 86.5 235.8 2% ZnSO4 77.0 240.0 75.2 242.8 76.1 241.4 3% ZnSO4 63.8 205.1 64.9 209.0 64.3 207.1 LSD (P=0.05) 2.9 3.8 3.1 3.6 1.9 3.5 4 hours 72.0 219.8 69.3 222.4 70.7 221.1 8 hours 78.2 225.0 75.6 228.8 76.9 226.9 12 hours 84.2 230.6 81.8 234.0 83.0 232.3 LSD (P=0.05) 2.5 3.3 2.7 3.1 1.6 3.0 Interaction A × B NS NS NS NS 3.3 NS 73.2 78.1 3.8 216.7 225.1 4.9 71.0 75.6 4.0 221.0 228.4 4.6 72.1 76.9 2.4 218.8 226.8 4.4 70.7 77.7 3.7 212.0 224.5 4.9 68.3 75.2 3.9 216.7 227.8 4.6 69.5 76.5 2.4 214.3 226.2 4.4 A. Priming Level B. Priming Duration Soil application vs priming Soil application Priming LSD (P=0.05) Control vs Others Control Others LSD (P=0.05) 2941 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(1): 2936-2948 Table.5 Effect of priming levels and their duration on crop yields (q ha-1) Treatments A. Priming Level 0% Zn (water soaking) 1% ZnSO4 2% ZnSO4 3% ZnSO4 LSD (P=0.05) B. Priming Duration 4 hours 8 hours 12 hours LSD (P=0.05) Interaction A × B Soil application vs priming Soil application Priming LSD (P=0.05) Control vs Others Control Others LSD (P=0.05) 201415 Pea 2015 Maize Maize equivalen t yield 2015-16 Pea 2016 Maize Maize equivalent yield Pooled pea yield (2014-15 &2015-16) Pooled maize yield (2015 &2016) Pooled maize equivalent yield 116.2 41.5 220.2 119.1 42.8 226.0 117.7 42.1 223.1 123.5 107.9 66.3 4.9 48.0 53.8 32.2 4.2 238.0 219.7 134.1 7.9 126.6 110.6 68.7 5.4 49.5 55.6 32.9 4.7 244.2 225.7 138.6 8.6 125.1 109.2 67.5 5.1 48.7 54.7 32.6 4.4 241.1 222.7 136.4 8.2 94.1 104.6 111.7 4.3 8.5 36.8 43.8 51.0 3.6 7.2 181.6 204.8 222.7 6.8 13.6 96.9 107.4 114.4 4.6 9.3 38.1 45.2 52.3 4.0 8.1 187.1 210.4 228.4 7.4 14.8 95.5 106.0 113.0 4.4 8.9 37.4 44.5 51.7 3.8 7.6 184.3 207.6 225.6 7.1 14.2 89.5 103.5 6.3 36.0 43.9 5.3 173.7 203.0 10.0 92.1 106.2 6.8 37.5 45.2 5.9 179.2 208.6 10.9 90.8 104.8 6.5 36.7 44.5 5.6 176.4 205.8 10.4 85.7 102.4 6.3 34.2 43.3 5.3 166.1 200.8 10.0 88.2 105.1 6.8 35.7 44.6 5.9 171.4 206.4 10.9 87.0 103.8 6.5 35.0 43.9 5.6 168.8 203.6 10.4 2942 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(1): 2936-2948 Priming vs Basal ZnSO4 The priming was found to be significantly superior over the soil application of ZnSO4 and priming treatments increased height of pea and maize plants as compared to soil application of ZnSO4 (Table 4). Control vs others Other treatments produced significantly taller plants as compared to control and treatments over control recorded significant increase over control (Table 4). The increased germination of pea and maize seeds recorded in the present study was a result of higher germination in the method of soaking with distilled water at varying priming durations that induces metabolic activities of germination and the resulting sugars can be used for protein synthesis during germination, which improves germination rate and uniform growth of the plants (Rouhi et al., 2011). Priming enhanced seed performances are related to the repair and the build-up of nucleic acid, enhanced synthesis of protein, repair of membranes and improves antioxidant system (Hsu et al., 2003). Superiority of hydro priming on germination could be due to soaking time effects rather than ZnSO4 treatment suggesting toxicity of ZnSO4 due to ion accumulation in the embryo (Demir et al., 1990). Because, hydro primed seeds compared to ZnSO4 treated seeds were allowed to imbibe water for a longer time and went through the first stage of germination without protrusion of radicle. Akinola et al., (2000) reported that higher duration of exposure to seed treatment resulted in higher cumulative germination in wild sunflower. The results are in line with the findings of (Thornton and Powell 1992) in Brassica (Srinivasan et al., 1999) in mustard (Diniz et al., 2009) in sweet pepper, (Fujikura et al., 1993) in cauliflower, (Sadeghian and Yavari 2004) in sugar beet, (Caseiro et al., 2004) in onion, (Michel 1983) corn, rice and chickpea. The beneficial effects of priming with nutrients have also been successfully reported by various scientists in various crops (Shah et al., 2011; Aboutalebian et al., 2012; Mirshekari et al., 2012; Rehman et al., 2012). However, deficiency or toxicity of nutrients may damage seed or restrict germination and may also cause abnormal seedlings as reported by Louzada and Vieira (2005) in bean seeds. They observed mortality of the seedlings in bean seeds due to high applications of micronutrients. Diniz et al., (2009) observed reduced percentage of germination when higher doses of micronutrients were used for priming in sweet pepper. Environmental and genetic modalities may be accounted for the variability in plant height. Additionally, vegetative and reproductive growth potential of plants is also responsible for superior plant height. The probable reason could be that priming of seeds results in an increased seedling vigor and strength and more established root growth, which enhanced the plant competency for light, water and nutrients resulting in more established plants. Seed priming increase cell division and seedling roots which cause an increase in plant height (Singh et al., 2015). Kumar et al., (2002) reported that 8 hours priming of finger millet seeds in water resulted in an increased mean plant height. Similar results regarding plant height due to the seed priming with Zn solution were reported by Arif et al., (2005) and Ali et al., (2005). These results confirmed the findings reported by Rashid et al., (2002), who illustrated that seed priming improves the plant growth and stand. Moreover, Asgedom and Becker (2001) monitored that P and Zn primed seeds showed higher vigor than unprimed seed as reflected in maximum plant height. Alam et al., (2013) also reported 2943 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(1): 2936-2948 maximum spinach plant height when seeds were soaked for 24 hour using SSP+Na2CO3 solution. Green pea pods, maize grains and maize equivalent yield Effect of priming level It is clear from the data that there was a remarkable influence of different priming levels on green pods yield of pea. The priming with 1% ZnSO4 gave maximum yield followed by 0% ZnSO4 (water soaking), but yield further declined with increasing priming concentration of ZnSO4 from 2% to 3%. Different priming levels also significantly influenced grain yield of maize and the maximum increase was recorded for priming with 2% ZnSO4 followed by 1% ZnSO4 and 0% ZnSO4 (water soaking), whereas, minimum yield was recorded with 3% ZnSO4 priming solution. The priming levels exerted a significant effect on maize equivalent yield during both years and pooled yield and priming with 1% ZnSO4 recorded highest maize equivalent yield. The minimum maize equivalent yield was observed due to priming with 3% ZnSO4 solution. The maize equivalent yield obtained under 2% ZnSO4 and 0 % ZnSO4 (water soaking) was statistically equal during both years and on pooling the data (Table 5). Effect of priming duration Yield of pea pods and maize grains differ significantly among priming durations and the highest yield was obtained for 12 hours as compared to 8 and 4 hours duration (Table 5). Interaction effect The green pod yield of pea during individual year and for pooled data was significantly influenced due to interaction among priming levels and their duration. On the basis of observed interaction, it was noticed that maximum green pod yield was recorded due to priming with 1% ZnSO4 for 12 hours duration. However, maximum grain yield of maize was recorded with 2% ZnSO4 solution for 12 hours duration. The interaction among treatments was also found significant with respect to maize equivalent yield during both years as well as on pooling the data and highest yield was obtained with a treatment combination of 1% ZnSO4 priming for 12 hours duration (Table 5). Priming vs Basal ZnSO4 The yield of fresh pea pods, maize grains and maize equivalent yield observed significant differences among priming and soil application of ZnSO4 and highest yield was found under priming treatments (Table 5). Control vs others Other treatments had significantly higher fresh pea pods, maize grains and maize equivalent yield than control during both years and pooled yield (Table 5). The primed seed emerge fast and more uniform and seedling grown more vigorously, leading to a wide range of phonological and yield related benefits. Therefore, better use of nutritional resources due to early emergence of plants can eventually result in higher seed yield of cereal crops (Badiri et al., 2014). Higher yield of pea and maize due to Zn priming is attributed to the enhanced synthesis of carbohydrates and their transport to the site of grain production (Pedda- Babu et al., 2007). Similar results were also reported by various researchers due to Zinc seed priming on grain yield of wheat (Nazir et al., 2000; Harris et al., 2005; Aboutalebian et al., 2012), chickpea (Arif et al., 2007), maize (Harris et al., 2007; Imran et al., 2013; 2944 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(1): 2936-2948 Mohsin et al., 2014), barley (Rashid et al., 2006), rice (Harris et al., 1999), sunflower (Kahlon et al., 1992; Hussain et al., 2006) and pea (Golezani et al., 2008). Nutrient priming has been shown to improve crop stand establishment, which can reportedly improve drought tolerance, reduce pest damage, increase crop yield (Harris et al., 1999; Mussa et al., 1999; Harris et al., 2000). Considering the concentration of ZnSO4 used in this study, it is expected that the higher Zn concentration used was completely absorbed by the seeds, this level probably exerted toxic effects, thereby reducing their performance due to interruption of cell division and development Reid et al., (2004). Working with barley, Karabal et al., (2003) observed that exposure of barley seedlings to B solutions at higher concentrations caused damage to membranes, thereby increasing membrane permeability and the malondialdehyde content of the cell, which is an important marker of oxidative stress. Johansen et al., (2007) reported significantly higher grain yield under the molybdenum loading treatments than 0 % ZnSO4 (water soaking). Arif et al., (2007) recorded higher yield of chickpea and wheat Similarly, Khanal et al., (2004-05) recorded higher mungbean yield under sodium molybdate loading than 0 % ZnSO4 (water soaking). 0 % ZnSO4 (water soaking) (8 hour) of mungbean seed produced higher grain yield than control (Rashid et al., 2004). Maskey et al., (2007) reported chickpea and phaseolus bean yield increased with boron and molybdenum application. Umair et al., (2011) found similar effect on seed yield of mungbean under dry seed, hydro-priming and molybdenum loading treatments. Increased sucrose synthase and glutamine synthetase activities in primed chickpeas nodule enhanced nodule biomass, metabolic activity, seed fill and better yield (Kaur et al., 2006; Khan et al., 2008; Subedi and Yadav, 2013). References Aboutalebian, M.A., Ekbatani, G.Z., and Sepehri, A. 2012. Effects of on-farm seed priming with zinc sulfate and urea solutions on emergence properties, yield and yield components of three rain fed wheat cultivars. Annals of Biological Research 3: 4790-4796 Akinola, J., Larbi, A., Farinu, G., and Odunsi, AA. 2000. Seed treatment methods and duration effects on germination of wild sunflower. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International 36: 63-69 Alam, A., Amin, N.U., Ara, N., Ali, M., and Ali, I. 2013. Effect of various sources and durations of priming on Spinach seeds. Pakistan Journal of Botany 45: 773-77 Ali, MO., Sarkar, A., Rahman, M.M., Gahoonia, T.S., and Uddin, MK. 2005. Improvement of lentil yield through seed priming in Bangladesh. Journal of Lentil Research 2: 54-59 Arif, M., Ali, S., Shah, A., Javeed, N., and Rashid, A. 2005. Seed priming maize for improving emergence and seeding growth. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture 21: 539-543 Arif, M., Waqas, M., Nawab, K., and Shahid, M. 2007. Effect of seed priming in Zn solutions on chickpea and wheat. African Crop Science Journal 8: 237240 Asgedom, H., and Becker, M. 2001. Effects of seed priming with nutrient solutions on germination, seedling growth and weed competitiveness of cereals in Eritrea, in proc. Deutscher Tropentag, Univ. of Bonn & ATSAF, Margraf Pub. Press, Weickersheim. pp. 282 Badiri, A., Mirshekari, B., Hadavi, E., and Hamidi, A. 2014. Effect of seeds priming with micronutrients on growth, seed yield and mucilage of plantain. International journal of plant, animal and environmental sciences 4: 335-42 2945