Physiological potential of maize seeds submitted to different treatments and storage periods

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate seed germination and vigor of maize subjected to different products and storage periods. The experimental design was completely randomized in a split plot on time. In the plots were distributed nine treatments: an untreated control, one treatment called “standard treatment”, with addition of fungicide (fludioxonil + metalaxyl-M) and insecticide (thiamethoxam). From the standard treatment, six treatments with combinations of inoculant (Azospirillum brasilense), micronutrients (nitrogen + potassium + zinc + boron + copper + iron + manganese + molibdenium) and bioregulator. Lastly, a treatment called “complete treatment” including all products. In subplots the storage periods of zero, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days were evaluated. Seed vigour of maize was reduced by seed treatments and storage. Micronutrients addition resulted in higher fitotoxicity in comparison to the addition of other products, regardless of storage period. The treatment with the combination of fungicide, insecticide and inoculant proved to be feasible, and was the most promising seed treatments. None of the studied treatments affected the germination in up to 45 days of storage, however the complete treatment with 3200 mL .100 kg-1 reduced seed vigour.