Germination Energy and Capacity of Maize Seeds Following Low-Temperature Short Storage

Abstract

The present research attempts to characterize the effect of low temperatures, and the moisture content of maize (Kosmo 230) meant for sowing on its energy and capacity to germinate. Seeds were moistened to varying degrees and stored under various conditions; then, their germination energy and capacity were assessed. Sowing material with 15% moisture content showed slightly declined germination ability when stored at −25-−20 • C for over three days, while the storage of seeds with a 25 and 30% moisture content at −5-0 • C for 1-3 days had the effect of seed conditioning. Seedlings obtained from conditioned seeds showed sustainability characterized by faster growth, and demonstrated nearly twice the size as other plants. Warehousing and storage of maize grains with a 11.12% moisture content at temperatures up to −25 • C did not significantly affect seed germination capacity or energy, irrespective of storage time.Sustainability 2020, 12, 46 2 of 10 Sustainability 2020, 12, 46 9 of 10 a reduction in the grains' moisture content before storage can greatly conserve its germination energy and ability during storage at low temperatures, in comparison with grain of higher moisture content. Author Contributions: Conceptualization, M.D.; formal analysis, F.K.; investigation, M.D. and K.K.; methodology, M.D. and B.Ś.-G.; project administration, M.D.; software, S.N.; supervision, F.K.; visualization, M.S.; writing-original draft, M.D.; writing-review and editing, D.G. and M.S. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Funding: This research received no external funding. Conflicts of Interest:The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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