Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Influenced by Seed Energizers

Abstract

Pre-treatment of seeds before sowing has been reported to improve seedling vigour and also increase crop yields of seeds placed under pyramids. Field trials were conducted during the early cropping and late cropping seasons of 2023 at Abeokuta, Nigeria to evaluate the influence of seed energizing technique on growth and yield of Maize (Zea mays L.). The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with a split- plot arrangement, involving a 3 x 3 factorial combination replicated three times. Seed lots of maize were stored in three seed energizing devices built as tetrahedron, hexahedron and dodecahedron for one, two and three weeks. The seeds were planted and evaluated over two seasons. Observations were made on growth and yield parameters. Results showed that seed energizing devices significantly (p≤ 0.05) affect the performance of maize. Maize performed best for seeds kept in dodecahedron for two weeks compared with the control. Seed energizing devices and duration of seed placement significantly affected (p≤ 0.05) weight of cobs, weight of seeds in the cobs, ear length, number of rows/ears, number of grains / row and grain weight/plant. Dodecahedron device gave the best dry matter yield at 60 Days after Planting followed by tetrahedron and least for hexahedron.