The effect of negative temperature stress on the mobilization of seed reserves for germination and early seedling growth of different maize hybrids

The effect of negative temperature stress (NST) of -4°C for 16 hours applied to the seeds of 14 maize hybrids before germination on the mobilization and translocation of reserve substances from the seed endosperm to germination and seedling growth was studied. It was established that NTS had a significant impact on the endosperm mass rate (RME) consumed in the formation of a unit mass of root, epicotyl and respiration, by inhibiting the mobilization of endosperm mass in the processes of germination and seedling growth. Based on the data obtained, depending on the percentage of RME used in germination and growth, hybrids were identified with RME values: (i) ≈ 24%-27%, (ii) ≈ 15% - 17% and (iii) ≈ 5 % - 8%) lower, compared to the control.