Abstract:
Soybean is an essential legume
that is increasingly valued for its nutritious oil
and protein contents. Despite the benefits
derived from soybean, low seed viability and
inconsistent germination are major
production setbacks. The objective of this
study was to determine the effect of seed
priming agents on the growth and yield of two
soybean varieties (Favour and Afayak). The
research used a 2 × 5 factorial randomised
complete block design with three replications.
The soybean variety at 2 levels was the first
factor (Favour and Afayak), and the second
factor involved 5 priming treatments: 4 h of
water (20°C), 6 h of water, 4 h of coconut
water, 6 h of coconut water, and no priming.
Coconut water priming significantly
enhanced germination, with the Favour
variety achieving the highest rate (75.5%)
after 4 h of priming. Water priming for 4 h
was most effective in enhancing plant height,
stem girth and leaf development in the Afayak
variety. Yield was maximised in Afayak
primed with coconut water for 6 h (2520
kg/ha), while Favour primed for 4 h produced
the highest number of pods (135.5).
Regression analysis revealed that the growth
parameters and germination percentage
accounted for 95% of seed yield variation.
The study concludes that coconut water is an
effective priming agent, enhancing
germination, growth and yield and
recommends 4-h coconut water priming for
Favour and 6-h priming for Afayak to
optimise production.
