Quality of millet seeds at different positions of the panicle

Abstract

Many factors may interfere in the quality of millet seeds; however, it is not known whether the location at different positions of the panicle may affect this quality. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of millet seeds produced at different positions of the panicle using uniformity, 1,000-seed mass, water content, X-ray, germination, seedling length, seedling dry matter mass, cold and health tests. The panicles were divided into five equidistant portions (proximal 1, proximal 2, intermediary, distal 1 and distal 2), starting from the panicle insertion. It was observed that there are differences among the positions of the seeds in the panicles related to the physical, physiological and health characteristics. The seeds located at the ends of the panicles presented a lower mass and physiological potential. The highest occurrence of Fusarium sp. was verified in the seeds from the proximal 1 portion, what might indicate a possible cause for the reduction in the physiological potential. Seeds from the intermediary portion present a higher mass, percentage of intact seeds and physiological potential.

KEY-WORDS: Penissetum glaucum (L.) R. Br., X-ray test, seed health.