Influence of physiological and health quality on the vigor of cucumber seeds

Aline Klug Radke,Vanessa Pinto Gonçalves,Géri Eduardo Meneghello,Vanessa Nogueira Soares,Hélen Claudine Saliba Rodrigues,Francisco Amaral Villela

doi:10.1590/1808-1657001262018

Aline Klug Radke, Vanessa Pinto Gonçalves + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1808-1657001262018

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Abstract

ABSTRACT The physiological performance of seeds is related to their physiological quality and seed vigor, while their health quality may interfere with germination and early seedling establishment in the field due to the interaction of microorganisms associated with seeds. The study aimed to evaluate the physiological performance and health quality of cucumber seeds and to verify the relationship between these attributes. The physiological quality of cucumber seeds was evaluated by standard germination tests, first count of germination, controlled deterioration test, electrical conductivity test, seedling emergence, emergence speed index, and traditional accelerated aging and aging modified with saline for 48, 72, and 96 h. The health quality of cucumber seed lots was evaluated by blotter test. Stratification of cucumber seed lots by seedling emergence was similar to seedling emergence by controlled deterioration test, first count of germination, and electrical conductivity results. The cucumber seed lots evaluated showed high germination rates; however, lots 1 and 3 had a better performance in vigor tests than lots 2 and 4. Fungi detected in the blotter test were Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp., and Penicillium sp. Seed lots 2 and 4 had low vigor evaluated by seedling emergence and controlled deterioration, and showed a higher incidence of Penicillium sp. in the evaluation of health quality of seeds. The incidence of Penicillium sp. may negatively affect the vigor of cucumber seeds evaluated by seedling emergence and by controlled deterioration test.

Highlights

The physiological and health quality of seeds are fundamental factors for the establishment of an adequate plant stand in the field
The physiological performance of seeds is related to their physiological quality and vigor, while their health quality may interfere with the germination and initial establishment of seedlings in the field due to the interaction of microorganisms associated with the seeds (FARRAG; MOHARAM, 2012; NÓIA et al, 2014)
Determination of the physiological quality of seeds is only consistent if this information is complemented by evaluation of vigor, which allows detection of more subtle differences between lots with similar germination, providing an estimate of the seed performance after sowing in the field and/or during storage

Summary

Introduction

The physiological and health quality of seeds are fundamental factors for the establishment of an adequate plant stand in the field. This information is even more important for vegetable seeds (LIMA; MARCOS FILHO, 2011) such as cucumber seeds (Cucumis sativus L.), which requires special care to ensure physiological and phytosanitary performance due to its commercial value and its form of marketing. The physiological performance of seeds is related to their physiological quality and vigor, while their health quality may interfere with the germination and initial establishment of seedlings in the field due to the interaction of microorganisms associated with the seeds (FARRAG; MOHARAM, 2012; NÓIA et al, 2014). The incidence of microorganisms in seeds, regardless of their transmissibility, can affect vigor, longevity, and yield

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