SEED HYDRATION USING THE DRUM PRIMING SYSTEM

Drum priming enhances seed performance without the waste and additiona l materials associated with conventional osmotic or matric priming tec hniques, Sweet corn (Zea mays L.) se ('White D' Lite') and sh2 ('WSS-4 948') endosperm seeds were hydrated using drum priming at 25 degrees C for 6 hours. During each cycle, 125-g seed samples were exposed to 1. 6, 3.2, 4.5, or 6.0 mL of distilled water and then rotated in a drum f or 1 hour to ensure uniform uptake. At the end of this period, samples of 100 seeds (each) mere removed and moisture content was determined, Drum priming hydrated all seedlots gradually, with increasing time re quired at reduced water levels for individual seedlots to achieve the desired moisture content (25% to 30%). Drum priming may provide a bett er alternative to conventional systems of priming.