Effect of seed priming with hormonal combinations on morphological and biochemical attributes of maize seedlings

Maize (Zea mays L., the third most important cereal crop after wheat and rice, is the major kharif (summer) crop of rain-fed areas in Pakistan. The yield per hectare and total production of maize in Pakistan is low versus an exponentially increasing population. The objective of this work was to study the interactive effects of phytohormones [Gibberellic acid (GA), Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), Abscicic acid (ABA) and kinetin (KIN)] on morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters during the germination of maize seeds. Seeds were presoaked in different hormones, separately or in combinations. Priming with GA+SNP+ABA+KIN enhanced the total fresh (TFW) and dry weights (TDW) of the seedlings in comparison to the control. Similarly, exogenous application of GA+KN, GA+SNP, GA+SNP+ABA+KIN, SNP+KIN+ABA increased the oxidative enzymes [catalase (CAT) and ascorbate-peroxidase (APX)] of the maize seedlings. Sugar and proteins concentrations were increased in response to the exogenous application of GA+SNP+ABA+KN, KN+ABA, GA+SNP+KIN, SNP+KIN+ABA, GA+ABA and SNP+KIN. A combination of hormones for presoaking seeds is recommended to improve the germination characteristics which will ultimately enhance grain yield.