Vigour of maize seeds produced at the maize Research Institute "Zemun Polje"

Abstract

Maize is one of the economically most important crops. Its immense significance arises from its various uses, high yielding and the production scope. In order to establish a lucrative production, first-rate seeds are required. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the vigour of maize seeds conventionally and organically produced. The seeds of the maize variety Rumenka were used and tested at the Maize Research Institute "Zemun Polje" in its Seed Testing Laboratory. According to the results, it can be concluded that although there was a minimal difference in the percentages of the first count of germinated seeds between the two types of seeds, the total germination was equal (98%). The results of the germination test performed after accelerated seed ageing indicate that total seed germination was higher in organic than in conventional seeds (39% vs. 33%). The electrical conductivity of the leachate per gram of weight of conventional maize seeds averaged 4.90 µS/cmg and 3.66 µS/cmg for organic maize seeds. According to stated values, it can be concluded that maize seeds of both production types are characterised by high viability and are suitable for earlier sowing under unfavourable environmental conditions. The results show that the radicle emergence was uniform amounting to 84% in conventional seeds and to 85% in organic seeds.

Keywords

• zea mays l
• germination
• accelerated ageing
• electrical conductivity