Effect of three matric soil potentials on seed germination of different sizes of two corn (Zea mays L.) cultivars

Efecto de tres tensiones de humedad del suelo sobre la germinación de semillas de diferentes tamaños en maíz (Zea mays L.)

Seed germination was studied from three seed sizes of two corn cultivars under three irrigation intervals which produced three matric potentials. Soil moisture retention curves were determined and the fit equations of lines were estimated by regression analysis in order to calculate the fluctuation range of soil water pressure in each irrigation interval for each frequency established. Sowing was carried out in aluminum trays with 10 kg of soil tray^-1 and 50 seeds. A split-split-plot design was used with four replications, main plots were the osmotic potentials (0.0, - 0.6 and - 1.2 MPa), sub-plots were the corn cultivars (Himeca 95 and Pioneer 3031) and sub-sub-plots were seed sizes (SS) (< 0.32 g; 0.32, 0.36 g y > 0.36 g). The following evaluations were recorded: germination percentage, germination speed index and days to total germination. It was possible to discriminate for drought tolerance in germination stage with osmotic potentials of - 1.2 MPa (cultivar Pioneer 3031 was more tolerant than Himeca 95). Seed size did not affect the germination process.

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