Sole and combined effect of micronutrients on germination and seedling growth attributes of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata)

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiency is a major constraint to crop productivity in most regions. Agronomic interventions such as micronutrient seed soaking could significantly improve seedling establishment in micronutrient deficient soils also. Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), and Zinc (Zn) are essential to plant metabolism and are needed in relatively small but critical amounts by plants. Little attention has been paid to studying the impact of different micronutrients application on the early seedling stage. Laboratory studies were carried out to determine the effect of different micronutrient treatments on germination, and early growth as well as biochemical analysis of seedlings. After sterilization, seeds were soaked in different micronutrient solutions for 24 hrs. The cigar roll method was used for seed germination under well-defined conditions. After seven days of germination, various seedling traits and biochemical parameters were recorded. Effects of seed soaking with different combinations of Iron, Zinc, and Manganese on growth and biochemical attributes of maize (sweet corn) were studied. The single or combined effects of the experimental treatments significantly affected the growth parameters of the seedling. There was better seedling establishment along with higher endogenous sugar, starch content as well as alpha-amylase activity at the early stages of plant development. A positive effect of seed soaking was observed in all traits through all treatments. Overall results predicted that the combination of Ferrous sulfate (0.2%) along with Zinc sulfate (0.5%) shows the best results followed by Ferrous sulfate (0.2%) along with Zinc sulfate (0.2%).

Keywords:

• Micronutrients
• seed soaking
• seed vigor
• Zea mays

Author contribution

The manuscript was constructed primarily and designed by HK and established by NG, GKG. HK reviewed the literature, prepared the figure and table section. HK and NG were involved in manuscript writing, and NG and GKG offered crucial advice and examined the manuscript on every step of writing. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

There is no funding source for the work