Influence of Seed Priming with Seaweed-based Biostimulant on Growth and Yield of Maize under Water Stress Conditions in West Bengal, India

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the world’s most important cereal crops, but its productivity is frequently limited by water stress. Seed priming with biostimulants has proven to be an effective technique for increasing seed vigour, germination, and crop establishment in adverse environmental conditions. The study was conducted during the pre-kharif season of 2024 at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, West Bengal, to evaluate the effect of seed priming with a seaweed-based biostimulant (Ascophyllum nodosum extract) on growth, physiological parameters, and yield of maize under water stress conditions. The experiment was conducted in a randomised block design with seven treatments and six replications of the maize variety Vikram. Before sowing, seeds were treated with varying concentrations of A. nodosum extract and a bio-enzyme (Seedplus). The findings revealed that seed priming had a significant effect on field emergence, chlorophyll content (SPAD value), plant height, root length, cob characteristics, and maize yield attributes. Seed priming with A. nodosum at 1.5 ml kg-1 seed (T4) resulted in the highest field emergence (49.67%), SPAD value (37.98), root length (78.42 cm), cob length (25.07 cm), number of seeds per cob (386.67), and seed weight per cob (132.50 g). This treatment produced the highest seed yield (12.22 kg plot-1 and 10.18 t ha-1), indicating superior performance under water stress conditions. The seaweed extract contains growth-promoting substances, micronutrients, and phytohormone-like compounds that improve metabolic activity, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance, which may explain the increased growth and yield. The study suggests that seed priming with Ascophyllum nodosum extract at 1.5 mL/kg seed is an effective and sustainable strategy to improve maize productivity under water stress conditions. It may be recommended for cultivation in regions with limited water availability.