Mean germination time as an indicator of seed vigour of some maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids and inbredline

To determine relationship between mean germination time (MGT) and seed vigour in maize Hybrids and liness an experiment was conducted in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ferdowsi in year 2008. Germination test was carried out utilizing six maize Hybrids and liness (DC370, SC704, KSC400, OSSK713, SC700, B73) in a randomized completely design with four replicates of 25 seeds per replication at 24anddeg;C. Results indicated germination of Hybrids and liness ranged from 86 to 96 percentages. DC370 Hybrids and lines had significantly the lowest normal seedlings (60%) and the lowest seedlings length (16.7 cm) while OSSK713 had the highest seedlings length (20.7 cm). MGT of B73 Hybrids and lines was the highest (3.9 days) and its coefficient variation (CV) of seedling length was significantly the greatest (6.58%) (low seed vigour). Significantly negative correlation between MGT and germination percentage (r = -0.84) was found while positive correlation between MGT with CV of seedling length was shown, that means a larger variation on seedling length in Hybrids and liness with slow germination rate (higher MGT). Therefore, it was concluded that MGT is a good indicator to assess the maize seed vigour.