Effect of Ethephon on Domestic Brachiaria hybrid seeds Germination and Seedling Growth

PurposeTo study the effect of the hormone ethephon (ETH) soaking seeds on improving the seed germination and seedling growth and development of Brachiaria hybrid, and to select the best ETH mass concentration to provide technical support for production practice.

MethodTaking B. hybrid ‘Mulato Ⅱ’ seeds produced by domestic farmers, the mass concentrations were 0 (CK), 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 mg/L soak the seeds in ETH solution for 24 hours. Through seed germination test and seedling culture, the effect of ETH on seed germination and seedling growth was explored.

ResultsSix mass concentrations of ETH treatments could effectively improve the germination of ‘Mulato Ⅱ’, compared with CK, all the germination rates had been improved (P<0.05). The germination rate, germinating energy, germination index and vitality index of seeds soaked with 400 mg/L ETH were significantly increased by 3.64, 2.45, 2.97 and 6.43 times than those of the CK (P<0.05). Seed soaking with ETH at the mass concentrations of 300 and 400 mg/L could significantly increase the root length and seedling height, which was 2.31 and 2.42 times, and both 3.61 times than those of the CK (P<0.05).

ConclusionSeeds soaking in 400 mg/L ETH solution for 24 hours can promote the germination of B. hybrid ‘Mulato Ⅱ’ seeds and the growth and development of seedlings, and it can be applied in the production.