Priming with Ascorbic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide improves Seedling Growth of Spring Maize at Suboptimal Temperature

Early sowing of maize crop can contribute to increase maize yield but poor stand establishment at low temperature is main hindrance in its productivity. Seed priming with ascorbic acid, salicylic acid and hydrogen peroxide improves seedling establishment at suboptimal temperature. Maize seeds were soaked in 20 and 40 mg L -1 aerated solution of ascorbic acid, salicylic acid and hydrogen peroxide for 24 hour and were dried back to its original weight. Primed and non-primed seeds were sown in pots containing sand under net house conditions. At low temperature, seed priming with hydrogen peroxide, ascorbic acid and salicylic acid improved seedlings’ growth probably through inducing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, better chlorophyll contents and enhanced nutrient contents. Seed priming with ascorbic acid, salicylic acid and hydrogen peroxide improved seedling establishment by inducing the antioxidants defense system and nutrient homeostasis. Seed priming with either 20 mg L -1 or 40 mg L -1 solution of H 2 O 2 , AsA and SA showed maximum seed invigoration and better performance in maize through inducing SOD activity and improving nutrient contents in root and shoot. The 20 mg L -1 of H 2 O 2 , salicylic acid and ascorbic acid seem to be suitable concentration for seed priming.