EFFECT OF SEED PRIMING WITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE (H2O2) ON MAIZE (ZEA MAYS) SEED GERMINATION AND EARLY SEEDLING GROWTH UNDER DROUGHT STRESS IN BAUCHI NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA ZONE OF NIGERIA
Abstract
ABSTACT
This study investigated the effect of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) seed priming on maize (Zea mays) seed germination and early seedling growth under drought stress conditions in Bauchi, Nigeria. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three treatments and four replications. Treatments included 10% and 20% concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and a distilled water control. Data were collected on seed germination percentage, shoot and root lengths, as well as fresh and dry weights. Results revealed that H₂O₂ priming significantly improved seed germination, shoot and root development, and biomass accumulation compared to the control. The 20% H₂O₂ treatment gave the highest germination rate (100%) and maximum shoot and root lengths. The study concludes that pre-sowing seed priming with hydrogen peroxide enhances maize germination and seedling growth under drought conditions and recommends further exploration of other priming agents and
concentrations for optimal results.
Keywords: hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) , seed germination, seedling growth.
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