Influence of seed planting depth on germination and physiological development of seedlings in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

The study was undertaken at the Grains Educational Investigation Laboratorios of the Center for Agricultural Studies (CIAP) of the Agricultural Sciences Department at the Central University "Marta Abreu" of Las Villas. Different seed planting depths for sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) were studied to understand the influence that planting depth has on seedling germination and the initial stages of plant emergence. The CIAP JE - 94 variety was utilized. Three days prior to planting, daily germination tests were conducted for each planting depth. In addition, the development of plant emergence during the germination process was also studied. Results demonstrate that three days prior to planting, seedlings with the least soil cover show the greatest perecentage of germination as well as the best development of plant emergence and ground surface cover. The results are due to the fact that seeds planted closest to the surface spend less energy (dry matter) than those planted at greater depths, leaving the former with greater reserves to dedicate to their development.