Evaluation of the sanitary and physiological quality of corn seeds (Zea mays) submitted to treatment with bioextracts and their binary combinations

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the application of bioextracts on seeds of creole corn, regarding their physiological and sanitary quality. The bioextracts of garlic (Allium sativum L), citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), cloves (Caryophilus aromaticus), ginger (Zingiber officinale roscoe), and their binary combinations were evaluated. Regarding the physiological quality of the seeds, the following parameters were evaluated: first germination (G1), germination (G), dry mass and seedling length (aerial and root). Regarding sanitary control, in vitro tests were carried out for the pathology of the seeds for Fusarium sp. and Aspergillus sp. The results of physiological quality showed a germination rate between 90.8-76.4% of the creole corn seeds treated with bioextracts and their combinations did not differ significantly from the control (84.9%), except when clove alone (3.0% of germination) was used. The results of dry mass, length of shoots and root plants followed a similar trend to that observed for germination analysis. Regarding sanity, the best result was obtained with clove bioextract, which completely inhibited the occurrence of Penicillium sp. Therefore, these studies allow to affirm that bioextracts can be efficient in controlling pathogens and maintaining the physiological quality of creole corn seeds.

Keywords

• germination, seed pathology, organic agriculture