In order to evaluate the effects of cold temperature during imbibition and initial seed moisture this
experiment was carried out. Seed germination of many species, especially those of tropical or subtropical origin,
suffer chilling injury when exposed to low temperature. The severity of injury depends on initial seed water content,
temperature in which seeds are exposed to and duration of chilling exposure. The combination of seed-water
content (seven, 11 and 13% F.W.) and duration of imbibition at 5oC (zero, one, seven and 14 days) constituted the
treatments. The hybrid AG-403B was more sensible than AG-104, AG-404 and AG-28C. The most tolerant
among hybrids was AG-28C. The prolonged exposure to 5oC resulted in reduced survival and seedling growth.
Sensitivity to imbibitional chilling was partially or totally reversed when initial kernel moisture was 13%, but not to
seven and 11% water content.