Maize Seedling Establishment, Grain Yield and Crop Water Productivity Response to Seed Priming and Irrigation Management in a Mediterranean Arid Environment

Water shortage is a major environmental stress that destructively impacts maize production, particularly in arid regions. Therefore, improving irrigation management and increasing productivity per unit of water applied are needed, especially under the rising temperature precipitation fluctuations induced by climate change. Laboratory field trials were carried out present study, which aimed at assessing possibility promoting germination, growth, grain yield crop (CWP) using seed priming different regimes. Two treatments, i.e., hydro-priming hardening versus unprimed seeds, four regimes, 120, 100, 80 60% estimated evapotranspiration (ETc). The obtained results indicated from 100% up to 120% ETc did not significantly increase or contributing traits, while it decreased CWP. Deficit gradually all attributed traits. Seed ameliorated seedlings’ vigor as earlier higher germination percentage, longer roots shoots, heavier fresh dry weight than seeds with superiority treatment. Additionally, conditions, increased yield, traits CWP compared Interestingly, reflect role priming, hardening, mitigating negative drought enhancing well deficit conditions. This was demonstrated significant moderate severe conditions These highlight efficient can environments.