Impact of Temperature and Water on Seed Germination and
Seedling Growth of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract:

Germination and seedling development are essential stages in a plant’s life cycle, greatly
influenced by temperature and moisture conditions. The aim of this study was to determine maize
(Zea mays L.) seeds’ germination and seedling development under various abiotic stresses. Eight
different temperature levels, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 ◦C, were used. Drought and waterlogging
stresses were tested using 30 water levels based on one-milliliter intervals and as percentages of
thousand kernel weight (TKW) at 20 and 25 ◦C. Seedling density and the use of antifungals were
also examined. Temperature significantly affected germination duration and seedling growth, and
20 ◦C was found to be ideal with an optimal range of less than 30 ◦C. Germination occurred at 25%
of the TKW. The optimal water range for seedling growth was higher and broader than the range
for germination. Seed size assisted in defining germination water requirements and providing an
accurate basis. The present research established an optimum water supply range of 150–325% of the
TKW for maize seedling development. A total of 6 seeds per 9 cm Petri dish may be preferable over
greater densities. The technique of priming seeds with an antifungal solution before planting was
observed to have a better effect than applying it in the growth media