Effect of pre-sowing seed treatment by electrophysical and chemical exposures on maize grain yields

The comparative effectiveness of pre-sowing treatment of maize (Zea mays L.) seeds by different methods is not sufficiently studied in the published results of scientific research. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of pre-sowing treatment of maize seeds with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, microwave (MW) radiation, gaseous ozone, fungicidal preparation Scarlet (control) on corn yield in the field experiment. The studies were carried out in the south of Rostov region in 2021–2023. Seeds of maize hybrid ‘Sapsan MV’ were treated with UV, MW and ozone on the day before sowing, and with fungicide on the day of sowing. It has been established that pre-sowing treatment of maize seeds by the studied methods increases its yield compared to semi-dry treatment with Scarlet preparation (0.4 l/t). Pre-sowing treatment of seeds with UV radiation (UVA 200–280 nm and UVC 315–380 nm, 10 min) had the greatest statistically significant effect on corn yield: +41.0 % to biological yield and +40.7 % to actual yield in comparison with treatment by fungicide. Ozone treatment (60 mg/m3 , 5 min) was slightly less effective than UV treatment: +39.9 % to biological yield and +36.3 % to actual yield. Microwave treatment (2450 MHz, 700 W, 1 min) of maize seeds showed the lowest efficiency: +25.6 % to biological yield and +24.1 % to actual yield. Increase in corn yield was achieved as a result of pre-sowing seed treatment by increasing the number of plants per unit area and the number of corncobs on them, as well as the mass of corn per corncob and the mass of 1000 grains. Methods based on the action of UV radiation and ozone are the most suitable to replace the traditional method of pre-sowing treatment of maize seeds (fungicide treatment). These methods provide the greatest increase in corn yield compared to fungicide treatment.