Physiological quality, initial establishment and yield of wheat according to the seed treatment method1

Joice Aline Freiberg,Leticia Decarli,Eduardo Girotto,Marcos Paulo Ludwig,Lucas Navarini

doi:10.1590/1983-40632017v4749214

Abstract

ABSTRACT New technologies are being incorporated to the seed treatment process, such as the use of products on industrial scale. This study aimed at evaluating the seed quality of wheat cultivars, as well as the influence of the seed treatment method on the establishment and yield of this crop. Seeds of the cultivars Jadeite 11, Quartzo and Tec Frontale were treated with the Spectro® fungicide (difenoconazole - 200 mL 100 kg-1 of seeds), Cruiser Opti® insecticide (thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin - 200 mL 100 kg-1 of seeds) and Polifix G4 polymer (100 mL 100 kg-1 of seeds). A completely randomized design, with four replicates, was used. The treatments consisted of industrial treatment, on farm treatment with the same products and control. Germination, first germination count and moisture content tests were carried out immediately after the seed treatment and at 30, 90 and 150 days of storage. Seedling emergence in beds was evaluated at 30, 60 and 120 days of storage. Under a randomized block design, seedling emergence and grain yield were evaluated in the field in two sowing seasons. The conventional or industrial seed treatment methods do not reduce the physiological quality and emergence of high-vigor seeds stored for 150 days, under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity. The conventional or industrial seed treatment with diphenoconazole + thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin + polymer does not increase the wheat crop plant stand and grain yield.

Highlights

The use of seeds with high physiological quality, along with the efficiency of fungicides and insecticides, is essential for high crop yields (Dan et al 2010, Abati et al 2014)
Physiological quality, initial establishment and yield of wheat according to the seed treatment method example, activates the plant defense mechanisms against abiotic stresses, such as high temperatures, low pH and water deficit, as well as against biotic stresses, such as lesions caused by pests (Almeida et al 2014)
Despite the lower physiological quality, Tec Frontale presented the highest average yield, contrary to the results found by Abati et al (2017), where the high vigor of wheat seeds treated with imidacloprid and carboxy + thiram benefited the seedlings stand and grain yield

Summary

Introduction

The use of seeds with high physiological quality, along with the efficiency of fungicides and insecticides, is essential for high crop yields (Dan et al 2010, Abati et al 2014). Insecticides have boosted the seedling development, by improving the seed physiological performance (Soares et al 2014). The active ingredient thiamethoxam, for Physiological quality, initial establishment and yield of wheat according to the seed treatment method example, activates the plant defense mechanisms against abiotic stresses, such as high temperatures, low pH and water deficit, as well as against biotic stresses, such as lesions caused by pests (Almeida et al 2014). In addition to the use of products for a better performance of crops, new technologies have been incorporated into seed treatment, such as modern techniques for product application. There is a greater operational efficiency with time and labor saving, reduction of intoxication risks, precise dosages of applied products, better coverage of products on the seed and guarantee of purchasing seeds with certified quality (França-Neto et al 2015)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion