Seed priming with zinc improves field performance of maize hybrids grown on calcareous chernozem

Delivery of micronutrients to plants through seed priming improves seedling vigour and increases crops yields. Two-year filed trial was conducted in Pančevo, Serbia, with aim study the effect zinc (Zn) on field performance three maize hybrids calcareous chernozem deficient plant available Zn. Seed treatments were: control (without priming), water 4 mM sulphate solution. had significant early growth, height, yield components, grain Zn concentration. Zn-priming promoted growth increased final height. Across two growing seasons contrasting precipitation tested hybrids, resulted an average increase by about 18% compared control, 8.4% priming. A relationship between parameters, components detected. Grain concentration season less one hybrid second season. The results imply that using seeds elevated content can improve overall grown chernozem. Highlights - height hybrids. Overall experiment parameters were correlated yield.- significant, but it Using