THE CORRELATION BETWEEN SEED QUALITY AND DURATION OF THE STORAGE IN MAIZE INBREDS AND HYBRIDS UNDER AMBIENT CONDITIONSGOUTHAMI, V. SWARNALATHA, M. PALLAVI AND D. SRAVANIAbstract Field emergence, stand establishment and standard germination of maize inbreds (Zea mays L.) are considered to be the most important yield-contributing factors. The influence of seed vigour on these factors is vital. Therefore, eleven laboratory tests were conducted on the basis of a complete block design (CBD) with three replications in 2020-21, to evaluate the correlation among the seed vigour tests and field emergence of 14 inbreds and two maize hybrids. In laboratory tests, differences between 14 inbreds and two hybrids for quality parameter viz., germination, seed vigour-I, seed vigour-II, radicle emergence and speed of germination showed significant and positive correlation with field emergence after 8 MAS, while root length, seedling length, seed vigour-I and radical emergence showed a positive and significant association at 0 months. The field emergence percentage had the significant negative correlation with conductivity test. Therefore, the standard germination test was not a good indicator for field emergence percentage. However, vigour test and conductivity tests were the best predictor of field emergence than all the other laboratory tests. |