Effects of the physicochemical properties of pellets on the germination of pelleted sugar beet seeds

Abstract

The effects of the physicochemical characteristics of pellets, when applied to sugar beet seeds originating from ten seed companies, on the germination of pelleted seeds were assessed. The most significant factor was the force necessary to break the pellet, which was found to positively correlate with pellet's abrasion resistance, and negatively with pellet's water resistance. Pellets dissolved in water, characterized by low water resistance, negatively affected germination under the conditions of excess water in the filter paper. A low water potential of pellets inhibited seed germination, particularly with the shortfall of water in the germination medium. The water flow between the pellet and the pericarp was of much importance for germination. Under the conditions of the shortfall and excess of water in the germination medium, the physicochemical properties pellets had a greater effect on the drawing of water, and on the water flow between the pellet and the seeds, than under the optimum moisture conditions. Organic pellets were characterized by a greater ability to absorb water than mineral or organic-mineral pellets. The pellets varied in their chemical composition, with the greatest variation (over ninety-fold) relating to pellet's copper content. The following values exhibited low variety: Zn, Mn, and Pb. It can be concluded that pellet's cracking force and water resistance are the basic parameters of pellet quality, and the swelling ability of pellets is determined by their organic or monaural composition.