The effect of seed age and treatment by proradix method on germinability and initial growth of selected meadow grass [poapratensis) varieties

The goal of the study conducted in 2008 and 2010 at the Research Forage Production Station in Vatin was to investigate the influence of seed age and seed treatment by Proradix method on the germination dynamics,total germinating capacity and initial growth rate of selected meadow grass varieties. The testing was carried out in controlled conditions on the germinator. Our results indicate that the age of seed significantly affects both the germination dynamics and the total germinating capacity. On day 7 after the establishment of the trial,a significantly higher germinating capacity was observed in the 4-year old seed (3 3.3%) as compared with the 2-year old seed (17.4%). Nevertheless,from day 13,higher germination values were recorded in the younger seed and its total achieved germinating capacity was significantly higher too as total germinating capacity. At the same time,a positive effect was observed of treatment by this method on the length of both shoot and root parts; the difference was statistically insignificant though.