In the sub-tropical regions of India, the 1 st to 3 rd week of November is the optimum time for sowing wheat. A delay in sowing due to various factors causes a substantial yield reduction. Seeds of four wheat varieties (Sonak, UP 2338, Raj 3765 and PBW 343) were subjected to seed priming treatments involving water, salts, growth regulator and the sowing of sprouted seed under late-sown conditions during the winter seasons of 1998-99 and 1999-2000. The sowing of sprouted seeds resulted in significantly more rapid emergence of seedlings, accompanied by higher grain and straw yields. Seeds primed with IAA, KCl, water, ZnSO 4 and Na 2 SO 4 followed in this order. The lowest seedling emergence and grain yield were obtained for unprimed seeds. Seedling emergence was higher in the variety Sonak, while Raj 3765 and UP 2338 had higher leaf water, osmotic and turgor potentials during the 1998-99 season. The variety PBW 343 produced significantly higher grain and straw yields in the 1999-2000 season.

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