Germination test of maize (Zea mays L.) seeds in a NaCl solution

Abstract

R bjective: To evaluate the germination behavior and to define the initial vigor of maize seeds. Methodology: The genetic material consisted of four batches of 20 hybrid seeds each (M-2014, SR-2014, SR-2012, and SR-2011), which were germinated in a NaCl solution (0, 5, 10, and 15 dS m-1) in a germination chamber. A randomized complete block experimental design was used, in which the seed batch and salinity level were the experimental units, with four repetitions each. Seeds with defined radicle and plumule were counted for evaluation. Results: As a result of the comparison of the three batches from the same environment (production site) and different years, the statistical analysis indicated that the longest-lived seeds have a lower germination percentage. Similarly, when batches from different production environments and the same year were compared, M-2014 obtained the highest average germination percentage (92.19%). When the maximum level of salinity (15 dS m-1) was evaluated, an average 41.25% loss in germination was observed. Conclusions: The test efficiently discriminated seed batches, based on speed and uniformity in NaCl-based germination, therefore providing acceptable results for the evaluation of the viability and vigor of a seed batch.