The plant growth regulators use in seed germination improve the seedling field performance and accelerate the emergence speed and enhance seed potential in various species, even under stressing conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of gibberellic acid on stored sweet corn seed vigor and amylolitic activity. The experiment was carried out at the Seed Analysis Laboratory of the Plant Production Department and at the Plant Biochemistry Laboratory of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, at the Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP/Botucatu), from July to September/2001, when evaluations of seed physiological quality were obtained by germination, vigor and biochemical tests. Super sweet corn seeds cultivar DO-04 were placed in paper bags and stored for eight months in a dry chamber (40% RU). After that, the seed were germinated on paper towels imbibed in zero; 50; 100; 150 e 200mg.L-1GA3 solutions. The seed germination, vigor and amylolitic activity were evaluated. Seeds pre-imbibed in GA3 50mg.L-1 solutions showed improved germination and vigor, as well as lower protein content and higher amylase activity.
bioregulators; Zea mays; sweet corn; alpha-amylase
