Qualidade fisiológica de lotes de sementes de milho no estado de Alagoas

Abstract

The country's economy and food production can influence various sectors, which are responsible for determining factors in its development. Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important agricultural factors in Brazil's economy. Its ability to establish itself in cultivation can be assessed preventively through germination and vigor tests. With this in mind, this study evaluated the efficiency and physiological quality of corn seeds from municipalities in the state of Alagoas, using the germination and vigor test. During the experiment, the physiological capacity of the five batches of seeds was assessed using a completely randomized experimental design, in four replicates of fifty seeds each. The seeds were aseptically washed in 70% alcohol for one minute and then rinsed in water. The seeds were placed between two Germitest sheets moistened with water equivalent to 2.5 times their weight, and seeds that developed normal seedlings were considered to have germinated. The percentages of seedlings at 04 and 07 days, germination speed index (IVG), average time (TM), average speed (VM), uniformity (U), sychrony index (IS), seedling length (CP) and dry mass (MS) were evaluated. The statistical analysis was carried out using the Sisvar 5.6 program, with comparison using the Tukey test at the 5% level and probability of error (P<0.05). Batch four was found to be superior, with 100% seed germination efficiency, corresponding to the characteristics of greater energy metabolization and the action of enzymes in the hydrolysis of nutrients, with a GVI of 12,479, with the lowest GVI being in batch three with 8,879. In U and IS, batch two was found to have the greatest synchronization and standardization in germination, with batch one having the least consistency. The coefficient of variation of the total U was 55.48%. In terms of length and dry mass at both ends, lot two had the highest CPA of 5.9 cm.pl.-1 and MSPA volume of 0.9825 g.pl.-1. Germination and seed vigor tests are essential for better selectivity in the implementation of maize cultivation, reducing significant economic losses and the incidence of plant diseases in the field.