Application of plant growth regulator on seed corn under different soil textures

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of applying bio-stimulant doses of commercial Fertiactyl^® SD in the early development of corn plants, treated via seeds, and grown in soils of different textures. The experiment was conducted in pots in a greenhouse in Marechal Cândido Rondon, Paraná State, Brazil, in the year 2012. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2x4 factorial design with five replicates. The first factor consisted of two soils: one clayey and the other with sandy texture, collected in two different regions. The second factor consisted of four doses of a commercial plant growth regulator (0, 100, 200 and 300 mL 60,000 seeds^-1). The bio-stimulant was carried out one hour prior to seeding, in a dark container, where the seed and bio-stimulant were stirred until homogenization. We evaluated stem diameter, plant height, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, root length and root volume. The treatment of corn seed with doses of Fertiactyl^® SD did not affect the early plant development. The sandy soil caused greater initial plant development when compared to a clayey soil.