Determination of maize (Zea mays L.) seed vigor using laboratory methods

Abstract

Maize seed is during germination and cropping in the open under the influence of different agroecological factors, so high yields will be achieved mainly by sowing quality high vigor seeds. The aim of this research was to determine maize seed vigor by laboratory methods (mass of 1000 seeds, germination energy (GE), standard germination (SG), electrical conductivity (EC) and cold test (CT)) and at the same time examine the influence of genotype of three maize hybrides. The experiment was set up in four repetitions with 50 seeds for each method. A significant difference (P≤0,01) was found between the masses of 1000 seeds of the analyzed hybrids (314g, 307g, 252g). The energy of germination (66%, 63%, 61%), standard germination (94%, 95%, 91%) and cold test (87%, 97%, 83%) did not differ significantly. The determined values of electrical conductivity (7,96 μScm-1g-1, 7,16 μScm-1g-1, 5,23 μScm-1g-1) were significantly (P≤0,01) influenced by hybrids. The analyzed seed had a satisfactory quality or vigor, and the influence of genotype was determined in seeds tested by electrical conductivity method.