Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Pre-sowing Treatments on the Germination and Growth Parameters of Zea mays Linn

Abstract

A comparative study on the effects of pre-sowing treatments on the germination and growth of Zea mays was carried out by subjecting the seeds to three treatments at different durations before sowing. The treatments used include; soaking in 30% H2SO4, vernalization and soaking in water (hydotreatment). Soil was filled in 160 polyethene bags of 10 kg each. Five polyethene bags were used for each replicate. With this arrangement, 16 replicates were gotten for the plant according to the treatment and duration placement. Parameters such as germination percentage, plant height, and stem girth as well as leaf area were collected and analyzed using mean, variance, standard deviation, variance of the mean, standard error and confidence limit. The results of the analysis showed that the various treatments and the duration significance on percentage germination and growth parameters of Zea mays seeds. Data presented in Tables 1-14 showed the various treatments and the duration significance on percentage germination of Zea mays seeds. The result showed that the treatment of seeds before cultivation increased the percentage germination in Zea mays when compared with the control replicate. The results revealed the height readings of different treatment sources and treatment durations and how significantly it affected the height of Zea mays. It was also observed that leaf Area and stem girth significantly increased in different treatment methods and durations as seen in treatment of Zea mays. From this research, it was observed that seed treatment resulted in early germination and high growth strength; hence seed treatment with any of the treatments will suffice in giving a better seed performance but for the sake of availability and accessibility of the treatments, hydro-treatment is most recommended.