Influência do armazenamento em baixo oxigênio sobre a qualidade física e fisiológica de sementes de milho crioulo

Abstract

Brazil is one of the largest producers of corn in the world, however, are still observed low productivity as a result of the quality of seeds, which stored incorrectly lose germination and vigor, affecting the initial stand and the number of plants per hectare, thus affecting corn productivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of storage in controlled atmosphere with low oxygen concentration on the physical, physiological quality and vigor of seed creole corn. The experiment had a total of 5 treatments, and different concentrations of oxygen, 1.5 kPa 3 kPa, 6 kPa, 12 kPa and 21 kPa. The seeds were stored for 6 months in chambers with different concentrations of O2, kept in the constant air relative humidity 60%, and 25 ° C. We evaluated the characteristics of the seed through germination and vigor tests: electrical conductivity, percentage of seeds damaged by weevils, accelerated aging, germination, weight of a thousand seeds, breathing, size of the aerial part of seedling, moisture content, tetrazolium and emergency speed index. The tests were performed at the beginning of storage and after 3 months and at the end of 6 months of storage. Comparing the results, 5% Tukey test, it became clear the effect on germination and vigor of seeds subjected to treatment with low O2, 1.5 kPa and 3 kPa, mainly keeping the germination percentage similar to that obtained in the initial test, near 96%. Furthermore, it was demonstrated clearly the maintenance of seed vigor observed in the IVE test and seedling size where the same treatments with low O2 showed better results. Another important factor in the use of low O2 during storage was Sitophiluszeamais control, preventing damage to the seeds. Thus, it is concluded after the completion of the work that the use of low O2 for storing seeds, and possibly grains, is a viable and effective alternative to maintaining the germination and vigor, as well as an alternative for the control of pests after harvest.