EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PRIMING TECHNIQUES ON QUALITY AND ITS ATTRIBUTES IN BABY CORN (Zea mays L.)

Objectives: To study the effect of priming techniques on quality and yield parameters of baby corn and to study cost analysis of different priming techniques on Baby Corn (Zea mays).
Methods/Statistical Analysis: The priming techniques were studied under laboratory and field condition. In hydro priming method 100 grams of seed were soaked in 200 ml of double distilled water in 500 ml of glass beaker for 12 hours and 24 hours. In case of osmo priming, 1% (KNO3) was used as a solvent solution was prepared. Seed of 100 grams were soaked in solution for 12 hours and for 24 hours. In case of halo priming 1% (CaCl2) was used for 2 gram of CaCl2 was taken and 200 ml of distil water was used. For hormonal priming two solutions were taken in one solution 100 ppm of GA3 was used and in another 150 ppm of GA3.
Findings: The hydro-priming for 18 hrs was most effective eco-friendly and low cost method of priming in terms of germination and yield. In case of halo priming techniques, improved growth parameters were obtained in 1% ZnSO4 for 12 hours in pea, and 2% of ZnSO4 for 12 hours in maize. In case of hormonal techniques, the number of pod in chickpea per plant yield was stimulated by 82.69%, 50.44% and 54.32% for 10-5 M, 10-6 M, and 10-7 M solution of GA for 4, 8, or 12 hrs, respectively.
Application/Improvements: Application of priming techniques leads to maximize germination percent, germination index, and high dry matter accumulation and low germination time. Priming techniques stimulates quality and yield parameters of Baby Corn and achieve highest benefit cost ratio.