Seedling emergence and yield performance of wheat cultivars depending on seed vigor and sowing density

Julia Abati,Cristian Rafael Brzezinski,Fernando Augusto Henning,Manoel Carlos Bassoi,José Salvador Simoneti Foloni,Claudemir Zucareli

doi:10.1590/2317-1545v39n1171002

Julia Abati, Cristian Rafael Brzezinski + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-1545v39n1171002

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Abstract

Abstract: The use of high quality seeds, the appropriate management practices and the selection of promising genotypes are strategies to exploit the wheat yield potential. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of the vigor level of wheat seeds submitted to different sowing densities on seedling emergence, tillering and yield performance culture. The experiments were conducted in Londrina and Ponta Grossa, Paraná state, Brazil, with a completely randomized block design, in a 2x2x2 factorial scheme, with four replications. Two levels of seed vigor (high and low), two sowing densities (200 and 400 viable seeds per m2) and two wheat cultivars (BRS Sabiá and CD 150) were evaluated. The conducted tests were: seedling emergence, number of tillers, yield components, grain yield and apparent harvest index. The use of high vigor seeds helps the establishment of the plant stand and yield performance in both locations. The 400 seeds per m2 seedling density results in a lower number of tillers per plant in both locations. BRS Sabiá, in Ponta Grossa, has the highest grain yield.

Highlights

The yield of a certain culture derives from the interaction between genetics, environment and management (Ozturk et al, 2006; Trindade et al, 2006; Silveira et al, 2010)
The use of a 400 seeds per m2 sowing density provided a higher number of emerged seedlings, for both evaluated vigor levels
The use of high vigor seeds resulted in a higher seedling emergence in relation to low vigor ones, in both sowing densities (Table 2)

Summary

Introduction

The yield of a certain culture derives from the interaction between genetics, environment and management (Ozturk et al, 2006; Trindade et al, 2006; Silveira et al, 2010). According to Marcos-Filho (2015), vigorous seeds present higher capacity to resist to environmental adversities during the germination process, and give better development conditions to the plant. In this aspect, Melo et al (2006) observed that rice plants originated from high vigor seeds were superior as for leaf area, tillering and grain yield. Less vigorous seed lots present lower emergence percentage and speed, compromising the establishment of the desired plant density, mainly when the edaphoclimatic conditions are not favorable and the used sowing density is close to the minimum recommended limit (Vanzolini and Carvalho, 2002; Kolchinski et al, 2005; Marcos-Filho, 2013)

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