Effect of seed deterioration on germination parameters and growth seedling of two maize varieties

In this study investigated the effects of seed quality on germination parameters and heterotrophic seedling growth in two maize varieties including single cross 640 and 704. For seed deterioration treatments we used accelerated aging test in 410C for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. A factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with four replications was conducted in the laboratory. Results showed that the seed deterioration effects on all traits studied included speed germination, germination percent, germination uniformity, normal seedling percent, plomule length, allometric growth ratio and seedling length vigor index were significant for but there was no significant effect on heterotrophic seedling growth traits. The varieties also have significant effects at 1% level on all the traits except allometric growth ratio, final seed and root dry weight. Seed deterioration had no significant effects on shoot length, allometric growth ratio, seedling length vigor index in 704 and on germination growth rate in 640. With increasing of seed deterioration were decreased germination percent and uniformity. Seed deterioration was more intense on seed germination percent in 640. Heterotrophic growth parameters such as seed reserves use efficiency, fraction of seed reserves mobilization and final seed dry weight has higher averages to larger cotyledon in 640. At the end of the day increasing the seed aging caused decreases on germination and normal seedlings percentage in both varieties but 704 was more resistant to decay.