Neonicotinoid insecticide treatment improves physiological performance of melon and watermelon seeds

Abstract

Thiamethoxam is a neonicotinoid insecticide, which is believed to induce the expression of enzymes and proteins that activate plant defense mechanisms, thus improving the plant resistance to stress factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological performance of melon and watermelon seeds treated with thiamethoxam. The seed treatment consisted of five doses of thiamethoxam, 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 mL per kilogram of seeds. The parameters evaluated were measured by a standard germination test, first count of germination test, laboratory vigor tests (accelerated aging and cold tests), and a field vigor test (seedling emergence). Thiamethoxam treatment resulted in increase in the normal seedling percentage in the standard germination, first count of germination, accelerated aging, cold and final seedling emergence tests. The doses of 4.0 to 5.0 mL of thiamethoxam per kilogram of seeds were most efficient in improving the physiological performance of melon and watermelon seeds.