Application of seed and foliar priming strategies to improve the growth and productivity of late sown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Under north Indian conditions, wheat is sown late in the season due to delayed harvesting of basmati rice and cotton, which limit the productivity of the crop. Various priming strategies might help in improving the growth and productivity of the late sown wheat crop. To test the seed and foliar priming response on the emergence, growth and yield of late sown wheat, two field experiments were conducted at the research farm of the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during 2015-2016 and 2016-2017. Both experiments were conducted in completely randomized block design with 3 treatments in the first (November 5, November 20 and December 5) and 9 treatments in the second experiment [control, water spray, seed priming (SP), salicylic acid foliar priming (SA: 50, 75 and 100 ppm), combination of SP and SA]. Lower germination was observed in December 5 as compared to November 5 sowing. Seed priming significantly improved the emergence and growth of the late sown wheat. Seed priming increased tiller density, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) and photosynthetically active radiation interception, number of effective tillers, grain and biomass yield and harvest index as compared to control. Foliar priming recorded significantly higher NDVI, proline content, grains ear(-1), 1000-grain weight, grain yield and harvest index. Combined priming recorded the highest grain yield and harvest index as compared to seed and foliar priming alone. Wheat can be successfully grown under late sown condition with seed and foliar priming for less yield penalty.