Abstract

MADRUGA DE-TUNES, Lilian et al. Response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings to seed zinc application. Agrociencia [online]. 2015, vol.49, n.6, pp.623-636. ISSN 2521-9766.

Coating seeds can increase seed germination potential, to contribute to better plant development and increase the concentration of micronutrients in seeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc on nutrition and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings from high and low vigor seeds treated with 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mL ZnSO₄ kg^-1 seed (plus a fungicide, a polymer, and water), and stored for six months in an environment with no temperature or relative humidity control. Stem and root dry matter, concentration and accumulation of zinc and the effect of the dosages of ZnSO₄ on growth of wheat seedlings were evaluated in seedlings 20 d after germination. It was concluded the zinc applied to wheat seeds accumulates mainly in the seedling roots. Application of ZnSO₄ to seeds caused higher accumulation and lower transport efficiency, and use of zinc in the measure that the dosage of the nutrient increased.

Keywords : Triticum aestivum L.; dry matter; seed treatment; mineral nutrition; micronutrients.