Maize and soybean seed vigour under influence of seed age, seed treatment and temperature in cold stress test

Abstract

Maize and soybean seed (maize hybrid OS 499 and soybean cultivar Ika originated from Agricultural Institute in Osijek, Croatia) harvested in year 2006 as well as one year old seed (harvested in 2005 and aged in storehouse conditions) were used for the evaluation of seed vigour in germination chamber. Seeds were pretreated with fungicide. Fungicide treatment significantly increased germination rate of maize seed in cold test conditions and constant low temperature. Fungicide treatment of soybean seed significantly enhanced germination only at constant low temperature and aged seed. Biostimulant applicaton did not enhanced germination rate but increased dry matter content in normally developed hypocotyls, both in fresh and aged soybean seed. Proline treatment did not show expected stimulative effect on seed germination.