PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURATION IN SEEDS OF SWEET SOGHUM FOR FOLIAR FERTILISATION WITH SILICATE

Authors

  • Bruno França da Trindade Lessa Agricultural Engineering Collegiality, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, PE
  • Alek Sandro Dutra Department of Plant Science, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE
  • Tatiana Maria da Silva Department of Plant Science, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE
  • Camila Castro Santos Department of Plant Science, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE
  • Wesley do Nascimento Sousa Department of Plant Science, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252017v30n320rc

Keywords:

Sorghum bicolor. Germination. Vigour.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate physiological quality in seeds of sweet sorghum grown under semi-arid conditions, and to determine the age of physiological maturity of the seeds as a function of the foliar application of potassium silicate. The experiment was carried out at the Curu Valley Experimental Farm, in Pentecoste in the state of Ceará, during the rainy seasons of 2014 and 2015. The BRS 506 and BRS 511 varieties were used, under foliar fertilisation with potassium silicate at doses of 500, 1000 and 1500 mL.ha-1, in addition to the control lots (with no application); harvesting was at four periods, 30, 37, 44 and 51 days after full bloom (DAB). The percentage and speed of germination were evaluated, together with the accelerated ageing test and seedling growth. The seeds presented greater than 90% germination from 37 DAB, reaching high seedling vigour at 51 DAB. Foliar fertilisation with potassium silicate under the conditions of the experiment resulted in an increase in the physiological quality of the seeds. The BRS 506 and BRS 511 cultivars displayed the highest physiological quality between 49 and 53 DAF.

Downloads

Published

21-03-2017

Issue

Section

Agronomy