Effects of Seed Priming and Sowing Dates on Seedling Emergence, Yield and Yield Components of a Local Genotype Bean as a Double Crop in Rasht

In order to investigate the effects of on-farm seed priming and sowing dates on seedling emergence, yield and yield components of a local genotype bean called Pach Baghala-Red strain (Phaseolous vulgaris L.) as a double crop after rice, an experiment carried out in the Rice Research Institute of Rasht. Experimental design was laid out in a split plot based on a randomized complete block with three replications. Sowing date was set out as the main plots including 11th, 21st and 31st August and priming treatments including four levels (no primed, priming using zinc sulfate, urea solutions and tap water) used as sub-plots. Time for priming was 5 hours soaking in each treatment. Results showed that primed seeds had higher speed and percentage of emergence especially by zinc sulfate solution. Also emergence percentage in the third planting date was decreased by 16% compared to other dates. In the first sowing date, all priming treatments and in the second sowing date, zinc sulfate solution led to higher grain yield while priming had no effect on the yield in the third sowing date because of severe reduction in growing season. Also harvest index was reduced significantly in the third sowing date. Priming with zinc sulfate solution significantly increased the 100 seeds weight but delay in planting decreased it. 100 seeds weight and number of seed per pod had the highest correlation with grain yield, meanwhile no correlation was detected between grain yield and pod number per square meter.