Physiological quality and early growth of maize seedlings as a function of doses and times of seed soaking in biostimulant

Abstract

The aim of the research was to evaluate the physiological quality and early growth of corn seedlings based on doses and times of seed soaking in biostimulant. Factorial treatments of three soaking times (8, 16 and 24 hours) and three levels of biostimulant (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mL L^-1 of water) were evaluated, plus two control treatments that were: 1) soaking in sterile distilled water, and 2) seeds without soaking. The germination speed index (GSI), emergence speed index (ESI), root length (RL), plant length (PL) and plant dry weight (PDW) were recorded. The results showed that the soaking times of 16 and 24 hours were significantly (p < 0.05) more effective in accelerating seed germination (GSI) and early seedling growth, in relation to the soaking time of 8 hours. Regardless of the soaking time, the dose of the biostimulant of 2.5 mL L^-1 of water, was the one that caused a significantly higher increase (p < 0.05) in the speed of seed germination (GSI) and emergence of the seedlings (ESI), but the dose of 5.0 mL L^-1, was more efficient to achieve a greater early growth of the seedlings. The biostimulation of the seed way soaking, achieved greater GSI, ESI, RL, PL and PDW in relation to the soaking of seeds in water and the treatment without soaking.