Effect of polymer and pesticide seed coatings on winter canola seed germination at various osmotic potentials.

摘要

One of the major constraints of winter canola (Brassica napus L.) production is poor seed germination and field stand establishment. It has been reported that use of polymer seed coatings improve stand establishment in some crops including spring canola. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three polymers [CelGard, Spectrum 511 and DiscoClear] each at three concentrations (0.33%, 0.66% and 0.99%), with and without pesticide Helix and Apron on seed germination of winter canola. The study was carried out in the laboratory under normal and water stress conditions. Results showed that certain polymer/concentration/pesticide seed coating combinations have potential to increase the seed germination in winter canola. Efficiency of polymer seed coatings depends upon the cultivar and environmental (soil type, water stress etc.) conditions. Results also showed that polymer CelGard at 0.33% concentration for cv. Abilene and Spectrum 511 at 0.66% concentration for cv. Jetton effectively increased seed germination under normal and water stress conditions. Seeds coated with Helix and Apron pesticides significantly improved germination under water stress conditions.