Influence of kernel position, mechanical damage and controlled deterioration on estimates of hybrid maize seed quality
1995
Peterson, J.M. | Perdomo, J.A. | Burris, J.S. (Iowa State Univ., Ames (USA). Seed Science Center)
During hybrid maize seed production, seed quality may be adversely affected by mechanical damage and subsequent storage. Two types of mechanical damage, impact and abrasion, were imposed upon seedlots composed of kernels from apical, middle or basal positions on the cob. Damage treatments were followed by a one or three week period of controlled deterioration. After deterioration seed quality estimates of the seedlots damaged by impact were reduced compared with the quality estimates of the seeds damaged by abrasion regardless of kernel position. By contrast, evaluation of damage by the fast green stain test revealed more seeds damaged by abrasion in the "severe" category than seeds damaged by impact. Viability and vigour of large, flat mid-position kernels generally exceeded that of small, round apical- or large, round basal-position kernels in terms of increased warm germination values, seedling dry weights and lower shoot/root ratios at each level of damage and controlled deterioration period. The damage to internal tissues due to impact, although less readily visualised than abrasion of seed coat, resulted in greater reductions in germination particularly following an extended period of controlled deterioration
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