Variability and correlation between properties of maize hybrid seeds of different fractions obtained after seed processing and the initial seedling growth

Abstract

The shape and the size of maize seeds are the most variable traits, which are determined by a genotype and environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to understand the effects of the mechanism of the relationship and significance of seed variability on germination and morphology of seedlings. The seeds of five hybrids ZP388, ZP434, ZP555, ZP606, and ZP6263 were used in this study. The following seed traits were analysed: physical ones: seed length (L), thickness (T) and the width (W); morphological ones: seed weight (SW), seedling length (SLW), root length (RL), shoot length (SL) and seed germination (G) as a phydiological trait.There are statistically significant differences not only among physical traits of the seeds of the five hybrids (p≤0.05), but also among the morphological traits (p≤0.05). Statisticlly significant differences (p≤0.05) in the width (W), length(L) and thickness (T) of seeds of all hybrids were determined in the small flat fraction (SP). The large rounded seed fraction (KO) mainly differed in the width and thickness between hybrids ZP434 and ZP 555, while the large flat seed fraction differed the most in the length between these two hybrids. Large-flat (KP) seed fractions are also characterized by the highest germination (99%). As the seed weight increases, the seedling weight decreases (R2=0.527). Segmentation within hybrids according to the diversity of morphological and physiological properties of seeds was carried out according to the seed size, fraction and seedling weight, while the other parameters were less important. The characteristic of all hybrids is that large seeds of the KP fraction have high germination and well-developed seedlings.