Seed Germination, Growth and Yield of Dill Affected by Nutrient Priming under Zn and Mn Deficiency Conditions

Nutrient seed priming was tested to improve seed germination, growth and yield of dill (Anethum graveolens L.). The priming solution concentrations chosen for the tests were 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% Zn (ZnSO(4)center dot H(2)O) or Mn (MnSO(4)center dot 3H(2)O), and 1.5% Zn + 1% Mn. Priming at the concentrations of 1%; 1.5% Zn + 1% Mn, or 1.5% Zn + 1% Mn increased the rate of germination of dill seeds compared to the control. The lowest seedling dry weight was recorded in 2% Mn. Similarly, the seedling vigour index in Mn-primed seeds was restricted, when Mn concentration increased more than 1%. The highest seed yield was recorded in 1.5% Zn + 1% Mn, 1.5% Zn, 1% and 1.5% Mn solutions, which produced nearly 20%, 18%, 14% and 13% greater yield than control, respectively, but yield reduction was found when the seeds were primed in higher concentrations. Seed essential oil among treatments ranged from 3.14% in 1.5% to 2.90% in 0.5% Mn solutions. In field experiment, the recorded data showed obvious positive response to seed priming with Zn and Mn regarding essential oil yield of dill. The primed seeds in 1.5% Zn + 1% Mn solution showed a further increase of crop yield over control.