SEED SIZE IN THE PHYSIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF Dactylis glomerata L. AND Lolium perenne L.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate two seed sizes in the physiological quality of orchard grass and perennial ryegrass (Dactylis glomerata L., Lolium perenne L.). The treatments were two sizes of seed (large:LS and small:SS). The variables were: emergence (EM), abnormal seedlings (AS), non-germinated seeds (NGS), establishment (ES), viability (VI), speed of emergence (SE), seedling height (SH), and root length (RL). A CRD with 4 repetitions were used. It was observed that, regardless of the size, the EM was higher in perennial ryegrass (p?0.05), compared to orchard grass, due to it presenting the highest (p?0.05) percentage of AS and NGS. The EM in perennial ryegrass was 14 % higher (p?0.05) in LS; meanwhile, in orchard grass there was no difference (p?0.05). Within species, the higher the size of the seed, the SH was higher (p?0.05). Higher values were observed (p?0.05) in RL with the LS of perennial ryegrass, while in orchard grass it was inverse. In perennial ryegrass, the ES, VI and SE were higher (p?0.05) than in orchard grass. For the same variables, only in perennial ryegrass higher values were presented in the LS; meanwhile, in orchard grass there was no difference (p?0.05). The success in the establishment of perennial ryegrass will depend on the size of the seed used (large), while in orchard grass the size would not be a supporting parameter to ensure an adequate establishment. The fodder species and seed size influenced the vigor of the seedlings.