Seed priming is a useful technique which improves seed germination parameters. The present investigation was conducted to evaluate some of the most important germination parameters such as total germination, germination rate, mean germination time, average speed, germination percentage (GP), germination vigor index (GVI), relative frequency, plumule fresh and dry weight, radical fresh and dry weight, plumule and radical length, leaf and root proline content of six indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties, including MR219, MR219-4, MR219-9, MR220, MR159, and MR 211 under hydro-, hormonal- and polyethylen glycol (PEG)- priming conditions. The highest germination parameters were achieved under the hydro-priming treatment, at 18 h (100%), 6 h (100%), 18 h (90.3%), 12 h (91.6%), 18 h (86.6%), and 18 h (78.3%) for the genotypes MR219, MR219A MR219-9, MR220, MR159, and MR211, respectively. The best germination feedback of the rice varieties under the hormonal priming were observed in 50 mg L-1 abscisic acid (ABA), 10 mg L-1 gibberellic acid-3 (GA3), 50 mg L-1 indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 50 mg L-1 GA3, 100 mg L-1 ABA, and 10 mg L-1 GA3 for the genotypes MR219, MR219A MR219-9, MR220, MR159 and MR211, respectively. The rice varieties showed different responses to various levels of PEG in which MR219, MR219-4 and MR219-9 responded positively to higher PEG levels, while MR220, MR159 and MR211 showed better feedback under lower PEG concentrations. These outcomes comply with the higher tolerance of MR219, MR219-9 and MR219-4 varieties to drought stress.

Balanced nutrient elements in fertilizer play a critical role in oil palm seedling successful growth and development, and at the same time reduces of fertilizer losses in the environment. This study examines the effect of different levels of N, P2O5 and K2O for oil palm seedlings in solution culture on growth traits, nutrient uptake in plant tissues and biomass accumulation under nursery conditions. Five concentration levels of N (50, 100, 300, 600 and 900 mg L–1), P2O5 and K2O (15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg L–1) were used in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five replications for each. Parameters measured during the growing period include - plant height, leaf number/plant, stem diameter, SPAD chlorophyll value, and at harvest – total leaf area, root dry weight, shoot dry weight and total dry weight. Different levels of N, P2O5 and K2O showed significant effects on all the parameters studied. The highest values for diameter, plant height, leaf number/plant, total leaf area, root dry weight, shoot dry weight and total dry biomass were obtained using 100, 90 and 300 mg/L levels of N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively. Most of the growth parameters, declined with lower levels of N, P2O5 and K2O. The results of this study provide a new knowledge to produce oil palm plant with better nutrient management at the nursery under solution culture.