Salicylic acid on the physiological and sanitary quality of high- and low-vigor maize seeds

The success of a crop begins with the use of high-quality seeds, especially with regard to the physiological potential for germination and vigor, as well as genetic and sanitary purity, and is also fundamental for the transfer of technological innovations and genetic gains resulting from breeding works, whether traditional or the result of genetic engineering, to the field. New techniques have been studied in order to mitigate possible damage that may affect seeds until planting in the field. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid on the physiological and sanitary quality of high- and low-vigor maize seeds. High- and low-vigor seeds of the maize hybrid B2315PWU were subjected to soaking at salicylic acid concentrations of 0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500 and 4000 uM (Micromolar). Evaluations of first count, germination, cold vigor, seedling length and mass, and sanity test were carried out. Salicylic acid doses up to 2000 uM improve germination potential in maize seeds. Treatment of maize seeds with salicylic acid may be a promising alternative for the control of Fusarium spp.