Germination and vigor of pumpkin seeds treated with thiamethoxam

Abstract

The use of high quality seeds is fundamental for obtaining a faster emergence and uniform stand. This study aimed to evaluate the germination and vigor of pumpkin seeds treated with thiamethoxam. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3 x 5 (lots of pumpkin seeds and thiamethoxam doses - 0 mL kg^-1, 2 mL kg^-1, 4 mL kg^-1, 6 mL kg^-1 and 8 mL kg^-1 of seeds) factorial scheme, with four replicates. The quality of treated seeds was evaluated by the tests of first germination counting, germination, cold, accelerated aging and emergence, in a greenhouse. Thiamethoxam positively influences the physiologic quality of pumpkin seeds and the lot of seeds with lower quality treated with thiamethoxam shows a higher increase in vigor. The treatment with doses of 4-6 mL of thiamethoxam per kg of seeds is more efficient for improving the physiological quality of seeds.