The introduction of new seed treatment products is increasing and bioactivators, such as the insecticide thiametoxam, are used to increase plant yield potential by modifying metabolism. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of thiametoxam on the physiological quality of cotton seeds, particularly on seedling root growth, and establish product concentrations for seed pre-treatment. Three seed lots of the cultivar CD 408 were evaluated which had been treated with six dosages of Cruiser® 350 FS containing 35 g/L A.I. of thiametoxam, at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mL per kg of seeds. Parameters measured included: standard germination test, germination first count, accelerated ageing, root dry matter and length, emergence velocity rate and final seedling emergence. Cotton seeds treated with thiametoxam demonstrated improved physiological quality of the seeds and the dosages of 5.0 to 7.0 mL of the Cruiser® 350 FS/kg of seeds were more efficient in improving the physiological performance of cotton seeds.
Gossypium hirsutum; bioactivator; vigor; physiological quality
