Utilization of a fertilizer as stimulant for the germination and growth of Zea mays, Triticum aestivum and Glycine max seedlings

Abstract

In this study, the germination responses of corn, soybean and wheat seeds were evaluated against a pre-emergence treatment with a commercial fertilizer, TOP SEED®, at the label dose. Germination tests were carried out in eight repetitions of 50 seeds for each species and treatments (sprayed with distilled water or commercial fertilizer), to achieve a sample size of 400 seeds according to methods of the International Seed Testing Association. The parameters determined were energy and germination power, germination kinetics and early growth of seedlings of the three plant species. The results showed an anticipation in the germination process in crop seeds sprayed with TOP SEED® product, which is of great importance since it allows the seed to escape sanitary factors (soil and seed pathogens) once the root emerges and It also allows the producer to anticipate the hydric conditions of the soil necessary at the time of emergence of the radicle. Regarding aerial and root length, the seedlings sprayed with TOP SEED product showed significantly higher values with respect to those sprayed with distilled water. These results indicate the development of more robust seedlings and with a competitive advantage with respect to the rest of seeds or in the presence of some weed seeds.