Seed size and substrate effect on seed germination of inbred sunflower lines

Abstract

Agricultural production especially seed production, is highly important due to the fact that 95% of food is produced from plants that reproduce with seeds. For successful seed production, it is necessary to use certified seed with high germination. Seed size is one of the components of seed quality, which has a high effect on seed germination. The aim of this research was to determine the influence of seed size, obtained during seed processing, originating from the same location, on the germination of seeds of sunflower inbred lines and to assess the influence of substrate on seed germination. The study included larger and smaller seed size fractions of nine inbred lines of sunflower on three different substrates (filter paper, sand and soil substrate). The seed material for this research was produced in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The results indicate that germination depended on the seed size, but also statistical analysis determined highly significant influence of substrate and genotype and their interaction. It was also found that larger seeds achieved a higher germination rate by 2% than smaller seeds, regardless the substrate and inbred line, and the difference was statistically significant. Therefore, it is recommended to sow larger seeds and achieve better seed germination which directly affects the number of plants per unit area.