Effect of soil temperature in the emergence of maize seeds

Abstract

Temperature is one of the most important factors in the germination process, which influences the absorption of nutrients required for growth and development of the plant, germination uniformity, and seed vigor maintenance. Low temperatures can result in deformation of the leaves and the apex of the plant, and high temperatures hamper the development of them. The objective of this work was to evaluate the ideal temperature values for germination in each genetic material used, highlighting the most suitable for each condition. The experiment was conducted at the Central Seed Laboratory at the Department of Agriculture of the Lavras Federal University, where germination percentage, first germination count, seedling emergence and emergence speed were evaluated. The experimental design was completely randomized, with a factorial scheme of 4 × 5, in which it was analyzed four lines (L30, L64, L63, and L91) at five different germination temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 ºC). An analysis of variance was done and for the comparison between means, the Scott Knott test was used, at a 5% probability. It can be observed that the lines L63 and L91 were more susceptible to low germination temperatures and lines L30 and L64 do not tolerate high temperatures. Also, the evaluation of temperature-controlled substrate germination proved to be a promising technique to identify tolerant and susceptible lines for germination in both high and low temperatures.