SEED HYDRATION AND SEED QUALITY CONCERNS FOR SWEET CORN STAND ESTABLISHMENT IN COOL SOILS

Early seeded vegetable crops often produce fields of non-uniform seedlings.
This research examines the potential of seed hydration for improving sweet corn (Zea mays L.) seed performance, especially for planting made into cool (8–15° C) soils.
The quality of seed lots used in this study was evaluated and analyzed along with the effect of hydration treatment, cultivar response, and kernel maturity.
Seed hydration treatments included seed moisturing, seed hardening, and osmoconditioning, which were compared to a dry seed control.
Moisturing and hardening treatments improved early emergence, while osmoconditioning significantly reduced field emergence.
The early advantage to stand establishment from seed moisturing and hardening also resulted in a more uniform emergence.
Seed moisturing and hardening were effective with all three levels of seed quality and all cultivars tested.
Kernel maturity influenced the emergence of a sweet corn inbred.
Seed harvested at 48–54% seed moisture provided better stands than seed harvested at lower seed moistures.

Symposium on the Timing of Field Production of Vegetables

M. Bennett, L. Jr.

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1987.198.21