M. S. Mohsen, A. H. Saudi
A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of seed priming and planting dates on the growth of two soybean cultivars. The study was carried out during the summer seasons of 2022 and 2023 in the fields of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) within split-split plot arrangement, with three replications and three factors. The main factor included seeding dates (June 1st, June 15th, and July 1st), the sub-plot included two soybean cultivars (Lee 74 and Shaimaa), and the sub-sub plot included seed priming treatments (gibberellic acid, KCl, and seaweed extract) along with two control treatments (soaking in distilled water and dry seeds). The results showed superiority of the June 15th planting date, which achieved the highest average for seed count per pod, 100-seed weight (grams), and total seed yield (kg ha-1). The Shaimaa cultivar exhibited the highest average in all mentioned traits above. The seaweed extract seed priming treatment excelled in seed count per pod and 100-seed weight, while the KCl treatment outperformed in total seed yield. Overall, the June 15th planting date along with the Shaimaa cultivar showed superiority, along with the seaweed extract seed priming treatment.