Response of ten maize inbred lines to seed priming treatments analyzed using GT biplot methodology

Abstract

Early emergence and seedling growth is considered as one of the most important yield-contributing factors in maize. Seed priming has been successfully used for improving these traits in different crops. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of seed priming treatments (hydropriming and KNO3) on emergence and seedling growth traits, inbred line’s response to seed priming treatments as well as to evaluate the application of GT biplot methodology in this type of analysis. Observation was made on 10 maize inbred lines. Testing was conducted in sterile moistened sand at suboptimal (15°C) and optimal temperature (25°C) for early maize growth traits. Results showed that seedling emergence and growth of maize lines under both temperatures could be improved with seed priming. In most of lines, seed priming improved certain emergence and seedling growth traits; however, in some lines it had adverse effect on seedling emergence traits. Some lines responded better to hydropriming and other to KNO3 priming.