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UDC 633.15:631.527.5/.564            https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0155

Kyrpa M. Ya., Bazilieva Yu. S., Stasiv O. F. 

GrainCrops. 2021. 5 (1). 30–37.

SE Institute of Grain Crops of National Academy of Agrarian Science, 14, VolodymyrVernadskyi St.,

Dnipro, 49009, Ukraine

Institute of Agriculture in the Carpathian region NAAS, 5, Hrushevskyi St., Obroshino village, Pustomyt district, Lviv region, 81115, Ukraine 

The research results of influence of various abiotic factors on seed quality of maize hybrids during long storage are given. The most effective of them are: temperature regime, seed moisture content and oxygen access. The storage methods (dry and cold, and controlled atmosphere storage) that have the greatest impact on the seed quality were established.

It was found that the optimal moisture content of seed depends on the storage duration, if for 1–2 years – 10–11 %, 3 years and more – 7–8 %. In order to stabilize the moisture content, it is recommended to store the seeds in airtight containers, limiting the humidity access from the outside. During the long-term seed storage, particularly for the breeding purposes, the temperature range should advisably maintain within 8–10 °C in seed storage place. With that the laboratory germination of seeds increased by 3–5 %, field germination – by 6–8 %, growth rate by number of sprouts– by 5–9 % and by the weight of sprouts – by 2–5 g compared to the 18–20 °C temperature in a typical storage.

Methods of pre-sowing improvement of seed quality were established – it is separation and chemical treatment (seed dressing). Separation is the sifting of the seed mass through sieves with round holes in order to divide from the smallest fraction, the content of which was 15–23 % depending on the seed uniformity of maize hybrids.

It was found that in order to assess objectively the effectiveness of different chemicals and establish their suitability for presowing seed treatment, it is necessary to determine laboratory germination, especially the growth rate by the number of sprouts and weight of 100 sprouts. Premature chemical treatment of seed should be avoided.

Key words: maize hybrids, storage methods, abiotic factors, seed quality, presowing treatment.

UDC 631.961:635.615:635.67:635.652                               https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0156

Grain Crops. 2021. 5 (1). 38–44.

Semenchenko O. L.,¹  Melnyk O. V.,²  Zavertalyuk  V. F.,³  Zavertalyuk O. V.³                                                              

¹Dnipropetrovsk State Agrarian and Economic University, 25, Serhii Yefremov Sr., Dnipro, 49600, Ukraine

²Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine,

1, Institutska St., Selektsiine settlement, 62478, Ukraine

³Dnipropetrovsk Research Station of Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, 1, Opytna St., Oleksandrivka settlement, 52041, Ukraine

Characteristics of watermelon seed formation in intercropping were studied. Different growing methods of watermelon seeds depending on its interaction with intercrops (sugar maize and common bean) and their planting schemes in melon fields were investigated. The developed elements of the watermelon seed growing technology reduced the impact of high temperatures on this melon crop (the number of fruits with sunburn decreased by 7.1 % compared to control).

The results of phenological observations and analysis of yield components, seed productivity and quality of Favoryt watermelon variety in the intercropping with sugar maize and common bean were presented.

It was established that the developed elements of the watermelon growing technology in intercropping under high temperatures and low relative air humidity in the Northern Steppe of Ukraine increased of watermelon yield and the full-value seed formation.

It was found that intercropping of watermelon with sweet corn under proper cultivation gave positive results (watermelon seed yield gain by 12.4 % and 0.7 t/ha ears of sweet maize in milky-wax ripeness were received additionally), and with common bean (watermelon seed yield gain by 8.9 % and additional 75 kg/ha of beans). Methods and planting schemes of watermelon and intercrops were established: sugar maize in the rows of watermelon according to scheme 2.8 x 1 m, common bean in the rows of watermelon according to scheme 1.4 x 0.5 m.

It was found that under intercropping of watermelon with sweet maize the full-value seed yield per one fruit increased up to 88.5 %, and with common bean – to 84.9 %.

           Key words: watermelon, sugar maize, common bean, intercropping, seed yield.

UDC633.15:631.53.02                     https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0131

Kyrpa M.Ya., StasivO.F., Lukyanenko T.M.  

Grain Crops. 2020. 4 (2). 243–250.

¹ State institution Institute of grain crops NAAS, 14,  Vladimir VarnadskyStr., Dnepr, 49027, Ukraine.

² Agricultural institute of Carpathian region, NAAS,5, GrushevskyStr. v. Obroshino,  Lviv region, 81115, Ukraine

Results of quality investigations of corn hybrids seeds that are formed at the growing phases, post-harvest processing and storage are expounded. Quality control system which is based on the acting (standardized) and additional indexes and also methods of their definition is worked out. Seeds viability on the cold germination method, energy and growth force, uniformity and damage are additional indexes, they have high correlation level with sowing qualities and plenteous hybrids properties.

Cold germination method includes variable temperatures 8 – 10 and 18 – 20 degrees Celsius that reproduces conditions of “sowing – seedling” corn period in the field. The uniformity is determined by the method of separating seeding material and determination of some fractions content on seeds size 9, 8, 7, 6 mm in it. The damage is defined by looking-over seedlings through a magnifying glass and their separating into 3 groups: seeds which are not damaged, with macro- and micro- damage of germ and endosperm, also seeds with damage in the kind of plucked veil are separately distinguished. The largest level of additional indexes correlation determined by new methods is within r= 0,583 – 0.781 and refers to the field seeds germination, individual plant productivity of corn hybrids.

On the base of acting and additional indexes conditioned seeds are offered to be evaluated in accordance with 3 indexes of sowing suitability. If seeds of the first and the second (high and medium) indexes are used marketable seeds of corn hybrids productivity can be increased on 15–18%. The highest index seeds viability on the method of cold germination must be 85–100%, quantity of strong plantlets – no less 81%, uniformity – 91% and more, content of seeds with macro damage – till 5% and micro damage – till 29%.The system of quality control is recommended to be used in the process of seeds preparation and on the phase of their certification.

             Key words: corn, hybrids, seeds, system of quality, indexes and methods.

UDC 633,15:631.53.011.2/.526.325

Grain Crops. 2020. 4 (1). 46–52.

Kyrpa M.Ya., Kovalov D.V. 

SЕ Institute of Grain Crops of  National Academy of Agrarian Sciences, 14, Volodymyr Vernadskyi Str., Dnipro, 49027, Ukraine

The aim of research was identifying the dynamics of water absorbing by grain, determination of its laboratory similarity and the strength of growth depending on coarseness and fraction composition.

The hybrid corn breeding of SE of the Institute of Grain Crops of  NAAS was used while researching, which were separated on sieves with round and long holes. After separating six fraction of each hybrid were got, they were different by line size, among them three – according to the width of the seed (sieves with round holes) and three – according to the thickness (sieves with long holes). While researching, three fractions were separated into large, average and tiny, which were different by according to dynamics of water absorbing, similarity and strength of seed germination.

It was identified that the fraction which consisted of tiny grain absorbs water the most intensively, its mass increases to 2,9–6,1% in comparison with large and average. The amount of water needed for germination of grains, which were researched, was 35,8% from the starting mass of grain.

The dynamics of germination of seeds of different coarseness was special. In the beginning the tiny grains were germinating the most intensively, after 24 hours the amount of germinated grains has already been 31–37%, after 48 hours – 59–73%, after 72 hours – 88,3–95,3%, which was 2,3–42,0% higher, than the results received from grains of average and large size. But after 96 hours of germination the amount of germinated seeds from different fractions was almost the same.

The strength of germination was researched in the depth of planting seeds in 5, 9 and 13 cm, imitating the period of sowing-germination in the field. The highest strength of germination during sowing was identified for the seeds of large and average fractions in comparison with tiny seeds, but only in case, when the fraction is formed according to the «width of seeds».

While forming the fraction according to «thickness of seeds» the regularity was broken, strength of germination was almost independent of fraction coarseness.

The identified peculiarities should be taken into consideration in the technologies of seed separating into different fractions according to size, and in agricultural equipment for breeding corn hybrids.

Key words: corn, hybrid, fraction, water absorbing, germination, strength of germination.     

UDC 633.15:631.563

Kirpa N. Ya., Bazileva Yu. S. Loy O. Yu.  

Grain Crops. 2019. 3 (2). 226–232.

SE Institute of Grain Crops of National Academy of Agrarian Sciences,14, Volodymyra Vernadskyi Str.,

Dnipro, 49027, Ukraine

The peculiarities of seed storage of maize hybrids of different botanical groups (toothlike, flinty, sugary, delusional) were investigated. The technical and technological factors that extend their economic life up to 3–5 years and more are revealed. This low moisture content of the grain (2–4% lower than standard), storage in a sealed container (polyethylene), selection for storage of large fractions (within the fractional composition for each hybrid). For the first time the effect of size (fraction) on the biological longevity of seeds of hybrids, depending on the duration of its storage, was established – the most noticeable influence of this factor was manifested in relation to sugar hybrids. The economic longevity of hybrid seeds has been determined. Its greatest duration is the seeds of siliceous and dilute hybrids, the smaller – sugar. It has been found that biological longevity is a high-quality trait and depends on the genotype.

The purpose of the work is to investigate the viability of seeds of corn hybrids (tooth-like, flinty, sugary, scaly) as storage objects, to establish the technical and technological indicators that ensure the long-term storage of seed material.

The seeds of hybrids with moisture content of 13–14; 10–11; 7–8%, which were stored in paper and polyethylene, and their sowing fractions (by seed size) were studied: the first – relatively large, the second – medium, the third – small. In order to evaluate the quality of the seed, its laboratory and field germination and yield were determined according to current methods.

When storing the seeds of corn hybrids under tight conditions, in plastic bags, the moisture content in it remained almost unchanged. But its sowing and yielding properties underwent changes – 10–11% and 7–8%, and 13–14%, respectively, were positive in moisture.

The factors that extend its shelf life include: low moisture content (2–4% below standard), tight conditions, increased size (within fractional composition). When combined with all these factors, the viability of the seeds with a germination rate of at least 92% was 3–5 years and more dependent on the botanical group of the hybrid.

The effect of chemical treatment (etching) during the long storage of the seed material was investigated, and it was found that it was advisable to carry it out immediately before sowing.

Keywords: corn, hybrids, storage, durability, seed quality, chemical treatment.

 UDC 633.15:631.53.026                           https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0029   

Kyrpa M. Ya. ¹, Kulyk V. O. ¹, Yova O. V. ² Grain Crops. 2018. 2 (2). 226–231.

 ¹ SEinstitute of grain cropsof national academy of agrarian sciences, 14  Volodymyr  Vernadskyi  Str., Dnipro, 49027, ukrainе

²  LTD «Agrosfera», 64 Zarichna Str., Oleksandrivka vilage, Dniprovs'kyj district, Dnipropetrovs'ka region, 52041, Ukraine   

In the process of post-harvest processing of corn seeds, drying of wet swaths is the most responsible and energy-consuming process. Quality and value of the product – seed and its competitiveness on the market of seeds depend on it. Today, the problem of energy saving is becoming increasingly relevant due to the significant increase in energy prices, which cost about 90 % of all drying costs. The purpose of the work is based on the determination of the technical and economic efficiency of drying corn swaths using such types of fuel as corn cobs, diesel and gaseous. The main costs of the drying process, which include the cost of fuel, electricity and wages, are established. According to the duration and volume of drying, labor costs amounted to 40.3 thousand UAH in case of use of corncobs and 28.7 thousand UAH – traditional types of fuel. Electricity costs varied depending on the type of fuel system of the dryer. So, when using a heat generator for burning biomass, the cost of electricity was higher by UAH 6528-9798 for the entire drying period compared with fuel systems for diesel and gaseous fuels.The cost of consumed fuel for the entire drying period was: diesel – 509.3 thousand UAH; gaseous – 269,3 thousand UAH; cobs of swaths – 37,7 thousand UAH. It is established that due to the use of the pockets of cobs, the cost of drying is reduced by 60–80 % relative to other traditional types of fuel, while the negative effect on the technological process of drying is not observed – its duration, dynamics and uniformity of drying of swaths. After drying in the energy-saving complex, the seed and yield properties of the seeds were at the control level or exceeded it.

Key words: corn cobs, chamber dryer, energy saving drying, fuel types, technical and economic indicators.

 UDC 631.364.6                                         https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0004

Kirpa N.Ya., Bazileva Yu. S.,Loy O. Yu.  Grain Crops, 2018, 2 (1). 29–37. SEinstitute of grain cropsof national academy of agrarian sciences, 14, Volodymyra Vernadskyi  Str., Dnipro, 49027,ukrainе

The organization of seed production of any culture is closely connected with the establishment of proper storage of seed.  The smallest period of time is allocated for storage of the seeds of the current year of use, in particular winter crops – wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), rye (Secale cereale),

etc. In such a short period of time, the seeds do not even have time to pass the stage of post-harvest ripening, especially, if you collect it wet and in low temperature. Post-harvest maturation can be accelerated by drying, active ventilation, pre-sowing heating.

The aim of the research is to find out what the biological durability and economic suitability of the seeds is and to establish ways to extend the shelf life of the grain by the example of corn.

Various storage regimes of the cereal masses were established by analysis, in the dry state, cooled and by the method of sealing.  In the experiments, the features of the effect of moisture, temperature and oxygen content in the grain mass on the germination were elucidated.  We considered two methods of storing seeds: in paper bags – under conditions of free moisture-gas exchange with the environment and polyethylene – under conditions of limited moisture-gas exchange.

Analysis of the results of studies showed that the longevity of seeds depends on a complex of biotic and abiotic factors, the main ones being: moisture and temperature of the grain, access to oxygen, the level of damage to the grain mass by microflora during storage.  Depending on the combination of these factors, the shelf life of the seeds is significantly extended or, conversely, markedly reduced.  In addition to the main factors, the biological properties and physiological characteristics of the crop, the conditions for growing it, the timing of the onset of full ripeness, and the technology of post-harvest processing influence the seeds' longevity.

In the course of our studies, it was found that, when stored in the cooling regime, seed germination remained practically unchanged, but the dynamics of germination underwent noticeable changes (Table 5).  For example, at a temperature of 8–10 and 3–5 °C, the seeds germinated, reaching the conditioned values (germination not lower than 92%) already on day 4, and the maximum – on day 7. When stored at low temperatures (-1 – -3 °C),  the dynamics  of  seed germination slowed down: germination on day 4 was 83–92%, and at 7 – 89–95%.  In this case, seeds with lower moisture values were more stable when stored at low temperatures.

In addition to studying the influence of the main factors – moisture, temperature and storage methods, we also investigated the effect of grain size on the storage time.  On the example of winter wheat and corn, it is established that large seeds, with a larger mass of 1000 grains, are more stable and do not lose high germination for a long time.

Other technical and technological factors that cause active respiration, aging and rapid loss of germination are also traumas in the stages of harvesting and post-harvest seed treatment, the content of impurities in the grain mass, infection with diseases, the degree of primary germination, and the like.

In order to mitigate the negative impact of the above-mentioned technical and technological factors in industrial seed production, as a rule, chemical treatment and dressing of seeds with various preparations is used.  Chemical treatment of maize seeds can be carried out in advance, during post-harvest processing.  But recently, due to the unstable realization, the seeds are dressed just before sowing.  Therefore, in order to study the effect of etching, we considered the following options: first – storage and seeding of NOT etched seeds;  the second is the dressing and storage of seeds;  the third is the storage and dressing of seeds before sowing.  During storage and sowing of NOT etched seeds (the first variant), the field germination and yield of maize hybrids decreased significantly.  In the case of seed dressing and storage for a long time, its laboratory germination somewhat decreases due to the toxic effects of the preparations on the fetus.  It was revealed that in the third variant the field germination of seeds increased by 3–8%, and the yield by 0.24–0.95 t/ha (4.1–19.4%) compared to the second one, where the seeds were stored with etched seeds.

  Based on the results of the research, factors that significantly affect the biological durability and economic suitability of seeds are established.  On the type of storage technology (GOST 2240-93), the period of the economic life of the seed is nearly 3 years, the biological durability – 15 years or more, depending on the biological properties of cultural, technical and technological factors of its cultivation, harvesting and postharvest processing of seeds.  To prolong recommended based on the following factors shelf life of the seeds of maize: grain moisture 9–10%, the temperature is 3–10 °C, storage in a sealed condition, moisture limited gas exchange.  If these conditions are met, the seeds do not lose their conditioning germination (at least 92%) for 4–5 years or more.  To determine the germination of seeds that were stored at a low temperature (-1– -3 °C), the germination period should be increased to 10 days.

Key words: seeds of grain crops, long-term storage, biological durability, economic suitability, longevity factors.  

UDC 633.15: 632.954                                         https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0005

Kravets S. S., Aldoshin A. V.,  Lyashenko N.O.,  Bernatsky M. M.  Grain Crops, 2018, 2 (1), 38–43.

 SEinstitute of grain cropsof national academy of agrarian sciences, 14, Volodymyra Vernadskyi  Str.,Dnipro, 49027, ukrainе

The specific reaction of seeds of parent components of maize hybrids, different on a genetic basis, on doses of soil herbicide is proposed. Specific doses that can be applied to each of the parent components studied were determined.

Studies aimed at identifying the selective action of herbicides have proven that within the same species there are representatives with different herbicide resistance. Data on different varietal reactions of maize on herbicides have been confirmed in the works of many scientists.

Lack of recommendations for the application of herbicides, in the cultivation of parent components, often leads to an uncontrolled decline in the yield of seeds due to the adverse effects of herbicides on corn plants, and sometimes even until complete culling of seed crops.

The results obtained by us testify to the presence of significant influence of weather conditions on the system "corn plant – herbicide Proponit". The maximum dose of this drug (3.0 l / ha) is characterized by a more negative effect on the similarity of the seeds of parent components of maize hybrids than the minimum (2.0 l/ha). The presence of different reactions of maize genotypes to propionate herbicide was established. The most vulnerable to the action of the herbicide was a subspecies of sugarcorns.

According to the revealed features of herbicide Proponit we recommend the use of this drug in the seed in the areas of reproduction and hybridization of maize as follows:

1. In the cultivation of parent components of the maize hybrids included in the first group (DK232MV, DK 296S sterile, Cross 253S sterile, DK 272C sterile, DK239MV, etc.), whose seeds did not decrease or did not significantly reduce the similarity under the influence of the minimum, and the maximum dose of Proponit, apply from 2.0 to 3.0 liters per hectare, depending on the degree of perturbing sowing.

2. In the cultivation of parent components included in the second group (DK744SVZM, Cross 239M sterile, DK233MVSV, Cross 267 Steril, DK253ZSZM, etc.), whose seeds did not reduce the similarity under the influence of the minimum dose of  Proponit and significantly reduced the similarity under the influence of the maximum dose, apply 2.0 l / ha.

3. In the cultivation of parent components of the hybrids of maize, included in the third group (DK 2 / 427zS, DK 247MV, DK 411M sterile, DK 6496 with M, SV, DK 257zM, SV, etc.), whose seeds significantly reduced the similarity, as under by the influence of the minimum and maximum dose of the drug, use herbicide Proponit is not recommended.

Key words: parent component, self-pollinated line, hybrid, herbicide Proponit, dose of introduction, field similarity.