Effect of long-term storage on viability of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) seeds

Abstract

Prolonged storage of seeds may lead to decreases in seed quality, negatively affecting germination and vigor and preventing the obtaining of a promising stand. Seed quality is a critical factor, and the performance of the lot can be altered by vigor, dormancy and, mainly, by the time and conditions in which the seeds were stored. In the experiment, the physiological quality of seeds 14 genotypes of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) genotypes stored for a period of thirteen years in cold conditions was evaluated. The seeds were subjected to germination induction treatment with potassium nitrate (KNO3) and evaluated to identify seeds with presence and absence of embryos. The seed storage period affected their germination capacity and the use of KNO3 did not increase seed germination. A low number of full seeds was found for genotype 613 (12%). The relative germination percentages did not underestimate the buffel grass seed germination potential, as it is usually calculated, providing an improved distinction between the evaluated genotypes. The use of KNO3 increased the seedling root and shoot weights of some genotypes, as well as the dry matter weight of seedlings, an important characteristic for forage production. The prolonged storage affects the physiological quality of buffel grass seeds. The production of seeds without embryo is a problem found for this species, which affects the final quality of the seed lots produced.

The cultivation environment influences the physiological quality of stored Sonchus oleraceus L. seeds

“…The RG when compared to HG corroborates results found in the literature (Gomaa et al, 2014;Silva et al, 2022).…”

“…The seeds stored for 180 days obtained a higher percentage of normal seedlings in FC, while in the seeds stored for 0 and 90 days no differences were observed between them. Vigor is a parameter that can influence not only field performance, but also the storage potential of seeds (Silva et al, 2022).…”

“…Differences found in HG and RG may be related to differences in seed vigor. Such a decrease observed at 180 days may be related to a reduction in the capacity to use and mobilize the reserves, which can lead to uneven growth of seedlings (Silva et al, 2022). Storage reduces seed vigor since its function is only of preservation by reducing metabolism and not of improving seed quality (Silva et al, 2019).…”