Germination and Seedling Vigor of Different Soybean (Glycine max) Varieties Subjected to Various Seed Priming Agents

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is an economically important legume valued for its high protein and oil content. However, poor seed germination and weak seedling establishment remain major constraints to achieving optimum crop productivity. This study evaluated the effects of different seed priming agents on the germination and early seedling growth of three soybean varieties using a factorial experiment arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The priming treatments consisted of moringa leaf extract (MLE), neem leaf extract (NLE), garlic extract, hydropriming, hormopriming, and an untreated control. Germination percentage, shoot length, root length, seedling length, and seedling vigor index were evaluated. Results revealed that both soybean variety and seed priming treatment significantly affected all measured parameters. Among the varieties, Manchuria consistently exhibited the highest germination percentage and seedling vigor. Among the priming treatments, moringa leaf extract produced the best overall performance, followed closely by neem leaf extract, while untreated seeds consistently recorded the lowest values. The enhanced performance of MLE and NLE was reflected in higher germination percentage, longer shoot and root lengths, greater seedling length, and improved seedling vigor index. The findings demonstrate that botanical seed priming, particularly with moringa and neem leaf extracts, is an effective and environmentally friendly approach for improving soybean seed germination and early seedling establishment. These natural priming agents have the potential to enhance seed quality and support sustainable soybean production.