Early growth control of hybrid corn plants by seed treatment with nutrients solution

Abstract

Experiments were performed under laboratory controlled conditions at 25°C in the dark, air humidity of 60-70% with four maizes (Zea mays L.) hybrids, including Porumbeni 180 (Por. 180), Bemo 203 Porumbeni 374 MRf (Por. 374), Porumbeni 427(Por. 427) to test the influence of seed treatment with water (control) or ½ Hoagland nutrients solution (½ NS) on germination parameters. Seeds treated with ½ NS showed the tendency to decrease the final percentage of germination for studied hybrids. At the same time, seed treated with ½ NS promoted the growth of 5-day-old seedlings, increasing the height of epicotyls, radicle length, and accumulation of fresh biomass of plantlets.