Some factors affecting the water absorption and germination of seed corn
1924
Dungan, G.H.
Seed corn harvested before complete maturity absorbed water more rapidly and also possessed a greater water absorptive capacity than corn that had been allowed to mature on the stalk. Corn containing a high proportion of soft starch in the endosperm imbibed water at a more rapid rate than corn of the same variety which possessed an endosperm containing a less proportion of soft starch. Conversely, a high proportion of horny starch in corn reduced water absorption. This held true in corn that had been selected on the germinator for disease freedom and susceptibility, as well as in corn that had been selected for many generations because of its high protein content. Both the high protein corn and the nearly disease-free corn were relatively high in horny material and their rates of water absorption were comparatively low. Rapidity of water absorption was associated with quick germination. Seedling vigor, however, more often accompanied horniness of the kernel. Mature seed corn germinated somewhat slower, but with more vigor than corn of the same variety harvested before maturity. Corn containing a large quantity of moisture during storage germinated quicker, but with less vigor than corn containing a smaller quantity of storage moisture. Corn possessing a moisture content of 6.1 percent germinated slower and with a slightly less percentage vitality than corn possessing a moisture content of 12.6 percent.
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