Vol. 7, Issue 10, Part G (2025)

Seed quality and uniform crop establishment are major challenges in Mungbean (Vigna radiata) production, often limiting yield potential. This study evaluated the effects of different zinc-based seed priming treatments on seed germination, seedling vigour, and agronomic performance under both in vitro and field conditions. Treatments included ZnSO₄ at various concentrations (300, 450, and 600 ppm), ZnO (900 ppm), zinc polyphosphate (750 ppm), hydropriming, and an untreated control. Results revealed that priming with ZnSO₄ at 450 ppm significantly enhanced germination percentage, reduced hard seed incidence, improved root and shoot growth, and increased vigour indices compared to other treatments and control. Field trials confirmed the superiority of this treatment in promoting early emergence, accelerated flowering, greater plant height, increased branching, pod set, seed number per pod, earlier maturity, and ultimately higher yield and seed weight. Excessive zinc concentrations showed diminished benefits, emphasizing the importance of optimizing zinc levels for seed priming. The findings highlight zinc seed priming as a potent, practical strategy for improving Mungbean crop establishment and productivity, particularly in zinc-deficient soils.