EFFECT OF SEED PRIMING WITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE (H2O2) ON MAIZE (Zea mays) SEED GERMINATION AND EARLY SEEDLING GROWTH UNDER DROUGHT STRESS IN BAUCHI, NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA ZONE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

An experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Laboratory, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, to investigate the effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) seed priming on maize (Zea mays L.) germination and early seedling growth under drought stress in Bauchi State. The aim was to determine the effect of the various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide priming on seed germination and seedling growth of maize. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized  Design (CRD) with three treatments and four replications. The treatments included 10% and 20% concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and a distilled water control. Data was collected on seed germination percentage, shoot and root lengths as well as fresh and dry weights. Results obtained revealed that H2O2 priming significantly improved seed germination, shoot and root development as well as biomass accumulation compared to the control. The 20% H2O2 treatment gave the highest germination rate (100%) and maximum shoot and root lengths. Based on the result of this experiment, it is concluded that pre-sowing seed priming with hydrogen peroxide enhances maize germination and seedling growth under drought conditions. It is also recommended that further studies on other priming agents and concentrations be explored in order draw more inferences.