Physiological and sanitary quality of maize seeds preconditioned in ozonated water

ABSTRACT The technique of controlled hydration of seeds has been used as a method of physiological conditioning to improve their performance in the field. Solution aeration with ozone gas is a promising option in controlling phytopathogens. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the physiological and sanitary quality of maize seeds preconditioned in ozonated water. In the evaluation of the physiological and sanitary quality, maize seeds were submitted to four concentrations of ozone gas (0, 10, 20 and 30 mg L-1) for five soaking periods (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min), with four replicates. Preconditioning maize seeds in ozonated water, followed by natural drying, resulted in a more pronounced initial development of seedlings, measured by means of the emergence speed index, seedling dry matter, seedling length and radicle length, compared with untreated seeds. The initial development of maize seedlings was intensified by the exposure of seeds to water, especially at 0 and 30 mg L-1 ozone concentrations during the period from 60 to 90 min. Preconditioning maize seeds in ozonated water did not affect the control of Fusarium sp. The fungicide Carbendazim + Thiram resulted in 100% control of Fusarium sp. in the seeds.