Germination and vigor of sweet corn seeds with seed soaking time
To improve seed germination of sweet corn (Zea mays var.saccharata),seeds of six cultivars (Nongtian 2,Nongtian 3,Tiandan 8,Tiandan 10,Jinyutian 1,Jinyutian 2) were soaked for 0,4,8,16,and 24 h.A germination experiment (3 replicates for 100 seeds each chosen randomly and completely randomized design with treatments of 0,4,8,16,and 24 h soaking) was conducted and vigor indices (electric conductivity and dehydrogenase activities) were analyzed (Electic conductivity test and TTC method used,respectively).Results showed that the most effective soaking time was 8 h.After 8 h soaking,germination for the six cultivars accelerated and germination rates were enhanced according to ANOVA analysis (P<0.05).For instance,germination rate of "Jinyutian 1" seeds was improved by 109.3% and its mean germination time was shortened by 18.6%.Moreover,in the case of Jinyutian 1,the electric conductivity decreased and dehydrogenase activities improved according to ANOVA analysis (P<0.05).All the aboved results suggested that seed germination and vigor of sweet corn were significantly promoted after 8 h soaking.