Differences in Traits of Seeds and Seedlings of Perennial Ryegrass Cultivars after Nine Months Storage at Different Temperatures

Abstract

This study shows results of laboratory analyses of the traits of seeds (germination and germination energy) and seedlings (root and hypocotyl length, total seedling length) of the two perennial ryegrass cultivars: diploid ‘Bartwingo’and tetraploid ‘Calibra’ before and after 9 months of storage at the temperatures of 10ºC, -20ºC and -80ºC in tightly sealed containers. Seed traits were significantly different at different temperatures (p=0.01). For both cultivars germination and germination energy gained the best results at -80°C in comparison to the values before storage. Obtained values of the seedling traits tested were significantly lower after 9 months storage (p=0.01). For the ‘Bartwingo’ cultivar, the slightest difference in the values of seedling traits before storage was gained at 10°C, while the ‘Calibra’ cultivar gained the same at -20°C. After 9 months storage at different temperatures the ‘Bartwingo’ diploid cultivar showed higher values of germination and germination energy, while the ‘Calibra’ tetraploid cultivar developed longer root and hypocotyl length, and total seedling length. Such investigations provide an opportunity for preserving perennial ryegrass seeds at lower temperatures in long term storage.