Diffusion technology as a tool for characterizing and enhancing germination of maize (Zea mays. L) genotypes

Diffusion technology employed earlier for characterizing seed genotypes and the theory of water diffusivity recently developed has now been further extended and tested for enhancing germination of two promising maize (Zea mays. L) genotypes viz. BH-660 and Pop-902 x 903. The values of the seed constant obtained clearly showed that the two maize genotypes were genetically different, not only from one another but also from the four Indian maize genotypes, viz. Paras, Parkash, Parbhat and Kesri. The water diffusivities at 25 °C were found to be 0.0651 x 10 -5 cm 2 s -1 and 0.0556 x 10 -5 cm 2 s -1 , respectively indicating that the diffusion rate of water in BH-660 was 1.2 times greater than that in Pop-902 x 903, and that it absorbed nearly 11.1% more water than the latter genotype. Field trials results showed an increase of 8% and 2% in seed germination when the seeds of the two genotypes were sown after these were subjected to water diffusion at 25 °C and steady-state conditions obtained in the laboratory. These studies distinctly demonstrated that the critical moisture content, biochemical and physiological activities attained under the steady-state conditions during water diffusion bore a direct relation with critical time for seed germination, defined earlier and experimentally tested for selected seed genotypes of different crops. The technology so developed can be fruitfully exploited with seeds of other maize genotypes, as well as crops.