RESPONSE OF WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.) SEEDLINGS TO SEED ZINC APPLICATION

Coating seeds can increase seed germination potential, to contribute to better plant development and increase the concentration of micronutrients in seeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc on nutrition and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings from high and low vigor seeds treated with 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mL ZnSO4 kg(-1) seed (plus a fungicide, a polymer, and water), and stored for six months in an environment with no temperature or relative humidity control. Stein and root dry matter, concentration and accumulation of zinc and the effect of the dosages of ZnSO4 on growth of wheat seedlings were evaluated in seedlings 20 d after germination. It was concluded the zinc applied to wheat seeds accumulates mainly in the seedling roots. Application of ZnSO4 to seeds caused higher accumulation and lower transport efficiency, and use of zinc in the measure that the dosage of the nutrient increased.