Industrial corn seed treatment processes on seed quality during storage

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of industrial seed treatment processes and of the stratification of the applied components on the physiological and functional quality of corn (Zea mays) seeds during storage. SYN555 VIP hybrid corn seeds from the same batch were subjected to 12 treatments, involving the application of insecticides, fungicide, polymer, and finishing powder at three different stages of the treatment process. The physiological quality of the seeds was evaluated using germination and vigor tests during the storage periods of 0, 6, 12, and 21 months. Functional quality was evaluated using the dust-off, plantability, and run-off tests. The treatments affected corn seed quality. The use of fungicide and polymer in the first stage of the treatment process helps to preserve seed vigor, especially after 12 months of storage. The treatment with fungicide, polymer, insecticide, and powder is recommended because it favors the maintenance of seed vigor for up to 12 months of storage, similarly to the treatment with only fungicide and polymer. The functional quality of the treatments is not influenced by the seed treatment processes with component stratification.