Monday, November 5, 2007 - 10:15 AM
69-4

Influence of Polymer Coatings on Canola Seed Germination at Various Osmotic Potentials.

Gaganpreet Kaur1, Udai R. Bishnoi2, and Ernst Cebert2. (1) Alabama A&M University, 4142 SW Memorial Pky Apt D, Huntsville, AL 35802, (2) Plant and Soil Sciences, Alabama A&M University, P O Box 1208, Normal, AL 35762

Establishment of a uniform and vigorous stand is important for a crop to withstand biotic and abiotic stresses. The use of polymer coating to enhance the seedling establishment and crop yield has under unfavorable environmental conditions widely been reported in corn, spring canola and in some small seeded crops. Poor stand establishment of winter canola is one of the major factor limiting its yield. Therefore coating effect of three polymers [CelGard (CP), Spectrum 511 (SP), and DiscoClear (DC)] each at three concentrations (0.33%, 0.66%, and 0.99%), alone, with Helix (fungicide and insecticide), and Apron (fungicide) on seed of two winter cultivars 'Jetton’ and ‘Abilene’ were tested for germination at four (-0.2, -0.3, -0.4, and -0.6 MPa) osmotic potential in PEG8000 (Polyethylene Glycol) solution. Results showed that with increase in water stress rate of germination decreased. Polymer coated seeds gave higher total germination under water stress conditions than the uncoated seeds. At low water stress levels (-0.2, and -0.3 MPa) CelGard gave higher total percent germination. However, at -0.4MPa water stress level Spectrum 511 at 0.66% and 0.99% and DiscoClear gave significantly higher total percent germination. The coated seed along with Helix gave highest total germination percentage. Results of this study suggest that polymer coated seeds were slow in rate of germination at various osmotic potentials but significantly improved total percentage germination.