Germination characteristics of maize seeds with high and low- vigour levels in response to on-farm seed priming

On-farm seed priming, which refers to soaking seeds in water, is a pre-sowing seed enhancement technique in agriculture production. This study aimed to investigate the effects of on-farm priming on the germination performance of maize seeds with different vigour levels. Two maize hybrids and four inbred lines were used as experimental materials. Soaking treatment significantly decreased the final germination percentage of low- vigour seeds and had no beneficial effects on high-vigour seeds. With longer soaking times, the reduction in germination increased and there was a positive, negative or neutral effect of water soaking on the germination index. The responses of seeds to on-farm priming varied among the different hybrid / inbred lines used and depending on the length of the treatment. Reducing imbibition damage by PEG soaking had little impact on the poor germination induced by soaking in water. Removal of the seed pericarp alleviated the negative effects of soaking on germination. This study has demonstrated, for the first time, the differential effects of water soaking on maize seeds with different vigour levels. Our results suggested that all influencing factors, such as such as seed initial physiological quality and the technological process, need to be considered to realize the full potential of priming.