Electromagnetic field and seed vigour of corn hybrids

Abstract

A b s t r a c t. In order to increase maize productivity with environmentally friendly techniques, the effect of electromagnetic irradiation on seed vigour of maize hybrids, as well as the response of each genotype were assessed. There were differences (p£0.05) between hybrids and electromagnetic field doses for emergence rate on the ninth day (VE9) and the dry mass of aerial part (PSP). With 15 min of electromagnetic field, VE9 and PSP increased by 14.96 and 14.38%, respectively, compared to the control. With 3 min, VE9 in hybrids San Jeronimo and San Juan increased by 16 and 19%, respectively, and with 6 min only 4 and 9% with respect to the control. In PSP, San Jeronimo grew by 16% with 3 min, and San Juan by 21% with 9 min, in San Jose there was no significant increment, compared to the control. K e y w o r d s: corn hybrids, biostimulation, seed vigour, emergence rate