Germination and vigor in sorghum seeds under flood stress

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of sorghum seeds under water stress. For the experiment, five lots of sorghum seeds with the same genotype (CMX5156A) and different physiological qualities were used. Five lots were submitted to different combinations of hypoxia time (4, 8, 16, 24, 36, and 48 hours under water) and temperature (20, 30, and 40°C). The moisture content, percentage of germination and emergence, height, and dry matter of seedlings from soaked seeds, were determined. A completely randomized experimental design in a 5 x 6 x 3 factorial, with four replicates, was used. The effect of hypoxia stressed the sorghum seed, affecting the germination of the seeds and emergence, dry mass, and height of the seedlings. The greatest decreases in viability and vigor were observed at higher temperatures and flood times. It is concluded that the germination and vigor of sorghum seeds are adversely affected by flooding. The submersion of seed in water at 40°C for 24 hours allows the segregation of sorghum seed lots.