Effect of zinc on the viability and seedling growth of deteriorated soybean and rice seeds

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of the application of the micro-element Zinc, on the viability and seedling growth of deteriorated soybean (TGX 536-02D) and rice (IR-5) seed.

      One batch of the seeds was naturally aged and the other subjected to accelerated ageing.  Four levels of ZnSO4 concentration used were 0, 1, 10 and 100 mg l-1.  For the naturally aged seed, even though there was no significant effect on soybean and rice seed viability for all the concentration levels tested, there was a beneficial carryover effect resulting in significant enhancement of seedling growth in soybean.  On seeds subjected to accelerated ageing, 100 mg Zn/L improved soybean seed viability by about 115% and also had promotive effects on seedling, growth, notably seedling weight and leaf area by 42% and 25% respectively.  The implications of Zn application in the invigoration of seeds with depressed viability are discussed.