Abstract

LAYNEZ-GARSABALL, José A.; MENDEZ-NATERA, Jesús Rafael  and  MAYZ-FIGUEROA, Juliana. Efecto del potencial osmótico y del tamaño de la semilla sobre la germinación y crecimiento de plántulas de maíz (Zea mays L) bajo condiciones de laboratorio. TIP [online]. 2008, vol.11, n.1, pp.26-34. ISSN 1405-888X.

Seed germination and seedling growth were studied from three seed sizes of two corn cultivars evaluated in absorbent paper and watered with three osmotic solutions created with sucrose. A split-split-plot design was used with four replications; main plots were constituted for the osmotic potentials (0.0, - 0.6 and -1.2 MPa), sub-plots were the two corn cultivars (Himeca 95 and Pioneer 3031) and sub-sub-plots were three seed sizes (< 0.32 g; ≥ 0.32 - 0.36 ≤ g y > 0.36 g). An analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test were carried out. The inference level was 5%. The potential osmotic of -1.2 MPa caused a decreasing of germination in cv. Himeca 95, but cv. Pioneer 3031 was unaffected; in general, decreased osmotic potential of solutions produced a decreasing of all seedling traits excepting radicle weight which was heavier at -1.2 MPa. It was possible to discriminate in a significant way, for drought tolerance in germination stage with osmotic potentials of -1.2 MPa. The cultivar Pioneer 3031 which was more tolerant than Himeca 95 and in early growth stages (with osmotic potentials of - 0.6 and -1.2 MPa) using big seeds, in relation to small seeds.

Keywords : Corn; water stress; seed size; sucrose.