Abstract
Seed quality of hybrid maize is affected by different factors, including maturity time and environmental conditions of plant growth. In this study, the effect of four maturity times of hybridized maize from male and female plants was investigated in terms of grain moisture content (30, 35, 40 and 45%) with silicon foliar spraying in a field with saline soil in Kermanshah, Iran. The experiments were on maize seed vigor using the standard germination and simulated tests of cold, Hiltner brick gravel and germination test under drought stress conditions. The results showed that highest percentage and rate of germination were obtained from the treatment with 30% moisture content at maturity with silicon spraying (99% and 0.037 germination per hour). Brick gravel and drought stress tests reduced germination percentage compared to the standard test. Based on Guasnr model, the nonlinear model of germination response curve was fitting to the percentage of moisture contents at maturity time and silicon application for various tests. The activity of Catalase, Ascorbate peroxidase and Malone Dialdehyde enzymes in different tests increased with 35% seed moisture content at the time of harvest and silicon foliar spraying. On the other hand, the maximum activities of the Antioxidant enzymes were found in the germination test under drought stress conditions in the amount of 36.6 µmolmin−1mgprotein Catalase and 2829 nmolmin−1mg Ascorbate peroxidase. In general, according to the decrease in the slope of the germination curve, 30–35% moisture content at maturity time along with silicon use was found to be suitable for producing high quality maize seeds in simulated tests of environmental stresses.
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We would like to thank the Islamic Azad University, Fasa Branch, Iran, who sincerely helped us in conducting this research.
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This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not for profit sectors. Also, our country (Iran) is under international financial embargo, and it is not possible to transfer money. For this reason, we are requesting an exemption from article processing charge.
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Kourosh Rahbari performed the experimental work and wrote the draft manuscript as a part of dissertation for Ph.D. in Agronomy, Fasa Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mehdi Madandoust supervised the research and finalized the manuscript.
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Rahbari, K., Madandoust, M. The Effect of Seed Moisture Content of Hybrid Maize at Harvest Time on Seed Germination Traits and Antioxidant Enzymes Activity under Simulated Environmental Stresses with Silicon Foliar Application. Silicon 16, 3629–3639 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-024-02953-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-024-02953-6