Abstract
Abstract: This present study aimed to assess seed quality of popcorn seedlings subjected to low temperatures by examining their physiological changes, enzymes, and images. We used a completely randomized design with four replications in a factorial arrangement with four hybrids (P618, AP6002, AP8202, AP8203) and five temperatures (10, 13, 16, 19 and 25 °C). Their physiological quality was assessed through radicle protrusion, germination, dry mass of seedlings and emergence. We have assessed the images of seedlings through their hypocotyl and root lengths; and through rates of automatic force, uniformity and growth, provided by Groundeye. The isozyme expressions were determined for the catalase (CAT - IUBMB: EC 1.11.1.6), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH - IUBMB: EC 1.1.1.1), malate dehydrogenase (MDH - IUBMB: EC: 1.1.1.37) and α-amylase (α-AMY - IUBMB: EC 3.2.1.1). Results show that low temperatures cause a negative effect on seed physiological quality in enzyme expression of CAT, ADH, MDH and α-AMY and on the performance of seedlings. These alterations compromise seed quality. Hybrids AP6002 and AP8203 should be recommended for sowing at up to 16 °C. The Groundeye software was efficient in the analysis of popcorn seedlings and in for the assessment of seed quality when submitted to low temperatures.
Highlights
The sowing period of popcorn (Zea mays L. everta) is restricted by weather temperature and distribution of rainfall, which may vary in different regions of Brazil (Vaz-de-Melo et al, 2012)
To increase the chances of crop success in regions of low temperatures, cultivars need to be tolerant to cold weather, especially in the stages of seed germination and emergence of seedlings
Knowing that temperature influences the feasibility and quality of seeds and seedlings, interfering with their metabolic and physiological processes has received special attention, due to the high relationship between this phenomenon and the quality of seeds (Mendes et al, 2009). The aim of this present work was to verify physiological and isoenzyme changes, and analyze images of popcorn seedlings to assess seed quality when they are subjected to low temperature during germination
Summary
The sowing period of popcorn (Zea mays L. everta) is restricted by weather temperature and distribution of rainfall, which may vary in different regions of Brazil (Vaz-de-Melo et al, 2012). Production is increasing and an advantageous source of income, due to the added value of the product. Such growth is partly due to the selection and development of new. To increase the chances of crop success in regions of low temperatures, cultivars need to be tolerant to cold weather, especially in the stages of seed germination and emergence of seedlings. Genotypes with such characteristic should be selected to be used for crops under such conditions, ensuring fair competition with other
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