Potencial fisiológico de sementes de milho tratadas com silício em condições de restrição hídrica

Abstract

The use of silicon (Si) in agriculture has become increasingly common, as the physiological and health functions of cultivated plants improve, in addition to increasing productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Si concentrations on germination and initial growth of maize seedlings subjected to water stress. The experiment was carried out in the agricultural laboratory of the Federal Institute of Piauí- Campus Uruçuí. The experimental design used was completely randomized, in a 4 x 3 factorial scheme (four silicon concentrations and three water regimes), with four replications. Corn seeds (MG711PWU hybrid) were used. Seeds were treated with silicon at concentrations: 0; two; 4 and 6 mM. For simulation of water stress, PEG 6000 was used in order to provide water potentials of -0.3 and -0.6 Mpa. Germination, shoot and root length, shoot and root dry mass were evaluated. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. The germination variable showed a statistical difference, depending on the silicon doses. All variables showed statistical difference for osmotic potentials. For the dose x potential interaction there was only effect for germination. The decrease in the levels of osmotic potential caused an accentuated reduction in germination and vigor of corn seeds. Silicon did not improve germination and vigor of corn seeds under water restriction conditions