The objectiv of the present research was to verify the seed shape and seed size
effects on the development of corn plants, cultivar AL-34. Experiments were carried out under
field conditions. Test material consisted of remainders from the corn seed grading, classified by
passing through sieves with oblong and round openings, thus obtaining six treatments (seed classes):
20/64in. (7.94mm), 18/64in. (7.14mm), 15/64in. x ¾ (5.95 x 19.05mm), 14/64in. x ¾ (5.56 x
19.05mm), 13/64in. x ¾ (5.16 x 19.05mm) and 12/64in. x ¾ (4.74 x 19.05mm), which were
compared with the commercial standard of the cultivar, seed from the 22/64in. (8.73mm) class.
The experimental designs employed were the randomized blocks, factorial, with four replications.
In the field, two plant populations, considered real and ideal, were used. The former was obtained
by sowing 32 seeds per 5m plantow, and the latter by sowing 60 seeds per 5m row. Plants from the
?ideal? population plots were thinned at 21 days after sowing, resulting in 32 plants per 5m row.
Each experimental plot consisted of five 5m rows with 1.0m spacing between rows. In the field,
the following tests were realized: speed of seedling emergence, percentage of emergence of plants
at 21 days were determined, as well as number of lars per plant, height of principal lar, plant
height, final stand and yield. It was concluded that was no influence of either seed shape or size,
on plant development and yield.