Optimizing zinc seed priming for improving the growth, yield and grain biofortification of mungbean (<i>Vigna radiata</i> (L.) wilczek)
Muhammad Umar Haider, Mubshar Hussain, Muhammad Farooq, Ahmad Nawaz
Abstract
Among the micronutrients, zinc (Zn) is one of the most vital nutrient required for the growth and development of plants. This research was conducted to optimize Zn seed priming treatments for improving the seedling emergence/growth, grain yield and grain biofortification of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek). Mungbean seeds were soaked in water (hydropriming), or aerated solution of containing 0.01 or 0.05 M Zn. The results showed that seed priming at 0.01 M Zn solution improved the stand establishment, seedling growth, morphological and yield parameters, grain yield and seed Zn concentrations of mungbean. Seed priming with 0.01 M Zn solution increased the grain yield and grain Zn concentrations by 35 and 60%, respectively than non-primed seeds. In conclusion, mungbean seeds should be primed with 0.01 M Zn solution to have better stand establishment, seedling growth, morphological and yield parameters, grain yield and seed Zn concentrations of mungbean.