Physiological performance of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum) seeds treated with bioactivator

Abstract

In Brazil, among the species of tropical grasses used for pasture establishment, which reproduce by seeds, millet stands out as promising due to its wide adaptability to various types of climate, including the country's southern region. Generally, insecticides and fungicides have been evaluated for efficiency control of pests and diseases, however, may cause some effects which are still poorly understood, including the ability to modify the metabolism and plant morphology (bioactivator). The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological performance of the thiamethoxan millet seeds. We used three batches of millet seeds, and concentrations of the product 0; 100; 200; 300 and 400 ml of thiamethoxan to 100 kg of seeds. To evaluate the physiological quality of seeds were carried by first germination and end germination test, cold test, accelerated aging test and seedling length test (shoots and roots). The product thiamethoxan stimulates the physiological performance of millet seeds, with variable intensity according to batch. From 210 to 230 ml of product per 100 kg of seed were more effective in promoting the expression of the physiological performance of millet seeds.