Seed priming with iron and zinc improves growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Seed priming is considered as an important component that results in early establishment of crop seedling. Thus, the effect of seed priming with iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) on growth and yield components of groundnut (cv. BARI-2011) was evaluated by using different doses of Fe (0.1% and 0.3%) and Zn (0.5% and 1.0%) in RCBD design with two factors factorial arrangement having three replications. The crop was grown in April, 2016 at the Research Farm of PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, (Pothowar Pleatue) Punjab, Pakistan. Data revealed that plant height and number of plants were highest at 0.3% Fe in combination with 1.0% Zn. Similarly, numerical values for all measured yield components i.e., number of pods plant-1, kernel weight (kg ha-1), 100 kernel weight (g), pod yield (kg ha-1), biological yield (kg ha-1), harvest index (HI) and shelling percentage were significantly higher at 0.3% Fe in combination with 1.0% Zn as compared to the control. The control plot resulted in the lowest values for all the parameters studied. It can be inferred from the results that seed priming at the rate of 0.3% Fe in combination with 1% Zn is recommended for obtaining higher yield of groundnut.