Determination of germination characteristics of seed harvested different seed stages of mazie

Harvesting at the suitable time is a key factor that contributes to get high vigor seeds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of germination characteristics of maize seeds harvested at different maturity stages. This research was conducted at Mustafa Kemal University Agriculture Faculty laboratories in 2018. Ears seeds were harvested at 5 days intervals after 20 days from tasseling milk stage to physiological maturity of the seeds. Maize genotypes ( Dekalp 6589 (FAO 700), Cadiz (FAO 700), and Bolson (FAO 600)) were used a materials. Ears were dried and allowed to stand for 3 months and then, the seeds were exposed to accelerated aged test. Results indicated that seed germination properties of normal and aged seeds like germination ratio, germination index, germination time and plant growth properties such as root length and root fresh weight varied significantly depend on hybrids and harvesting times. The Germination ratio, germination indeks and mean germination time significantly varied among the corn hybrids and the maximum values of germination ratio and germination indeks of the maize was found at the Bolson hybrid, while, no significant variation was recorded regarding root length, stem length and stem weigth among the hybrids. The Root fresh weigth, tousand grain weigth and electrical conductivity significantly differed among the hybrids. The harvest time (after tasseling)under the study exerted significant effect on germination characterstics in maize. The Electrical conductivity was decreased greaduallywith increasing the time of harvesting.Interaction between different harvest time and hybrids showed significant variation in respect of germination ratio, Germination indeks and germination time. The highest Germination ratio of stored seeds was found in Dekalp 6589 in the haresting time of 55th which was different from other treatments.The Earliest harvesting of early grain stage time had no effect on seed germination; however seed vigor increased with seed maturity stage.It could be possible to enhance and maintain the quality of corn grain through appropriate storage medium with the acceptable periods.Therefore, it can be concluded that grains should be stored in suitable moisture level.