Influence of corn (Zea mays L.) inbred lines seed processing on their damage

Manipulation of corn seed from harvest throughout processing to disinfections is associated with seed damage. Such damage causes lower germination and germination energy. Seed damage, especially in the embryo and crown, are factors that decrease germination, especially under low temperatures. Also, damaged seed is inclined to infections by soil pathogens (Aspergillus, Pythium, Penicillium), causing seed and germ rotting. In some cases, plant density is seriously reduced by infestations so that resowing is required. Seed of five corn-inbred lines differing in form and type (A: shallow and round form of the dent type MO-17, Os6-2; B: deep and uniform of the semi-flint type B-73, Os84-28 and Os87-24) were tested for their quantity and damaged spots (crown, germ, back side and belly side). Seed damage following the manipulations ranged as follows: from 3.8 to 7.2% (harvest), from 36.2 to 52.8% (husking) and from 38.4 to 54.0% (the end of processing). Also, damage of different parts of seed following their processing was as follows: from 17.8 to 29.2% (crown), from 4.1 to 6.7% (germ), from 6.3 to 9.8% (back side) and from 5.7 to 8.3% (belly side). High negative correlation (from r = -0.620 to r = -0.960) between damage of seed and seed quality (germination energy, germination) and high positive correlation between germination energy and germination were found over the investigated years and for both lines.