Abstract
ABSTRACT Many factors may interfere in the quality of millet seeds; however, it is not known whether the location at different positions of the panicle may affect this quality. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of millet seeds produced at different positions of the panicle using uniformity, 1,000-seed mass, water content, X-ray, germination, seedling length, seedling dry matter mass, cold and health tests. The panicles were divided into five equidistant portions (proximal 1, proximal 2, intermediary, distal 1 and distal 2), starting from the panicle insertion. It was observed that there are differences among the positions of the seeds in the panicles related to the physical, physiological and health characteristics. The seeds located at the ends of the panicles presented a lower mass and physiological potential. The highest occurrence of Fusarium sp. was verified in the seeds from the proximal 1 portion, what might indicate a possible cause for the reduction in the physiological potential. Seeds from the intermediary portion present a higher mass, percentage of intact seeds and physiological potential.
Highlights
The mean mass of millet seeds per panicle was of 25.457 g panicle-1, of which 3.32 g (13.04 %) refer to the proximal 1, 6.52 g (25.55 %) to the proximal 2, 7.18 g (28.20 %) to the intermediary, 5.95 g (23.37 %) to the distal 1 and 2.47 g (9.70 %) to the distal 2 portions
The intermediary portion of the panicle presented the highest values for seed mass in the 2 x 12 sieve, followed by the proximal 2 and distal 1 portions, respectively
Seeds located at different portions of the millet panicles present differences regarding physical, physiological and health quality, with those derived from the intermediary portion presenting the highest quality and percentage of intact seeds
Summary
Br.] has gained importance in Brazil because of its characteristics of rusticity, such as drought resistance, withstanding prolonged water deficit and rainfall below 400 mm per year, adaptation to areas with low-fertility soil and resistance to high temperatures (Pereira Filho 2016). The trend to expand this crop occurs, mainly, in areas that aim at a good soil cover, for application under no-tillage (Pires et al 2017) and production of grains, silage and grass, as a source of food for ruminants (Buso et al 2014). For the correct use and expansion of this crop, it is important to know all steps, including features related to seed quality and production.
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