Effect of insecticides on seed germination and seedling growth parameters of maize inbred lines

In some years, polyphagous insects can threaten production of maize seed. Use of insecticides through seed treatment is known to be the most economical chemical control, which imposed the need to determine the impact of used insecticides on seed quality. Concen­trated suspensions for seed treatment, based on active substances clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, tefluthrin + thiamethoxam and fipronil are included in this test. The results indicate differences in germination capacity and seedling growth parameters of maize inbred lines when insecticides with different active substances were applied. All applied insecticides decreased the percentage of germination (93.3 to 94.3%) when compa­red to control (96.6%). Insecticides based on active substances tefluthrin + thiamethoxam, imidacloprid and fipronil increased the number of abnormal seedlings. Products based on active ingredient clothianidin, increased shoot length of seedlings (146 mm) when compared to the control, while products based on active ingredient thiamethoxam + tefluthrin increased the root length of seedlings (154.6 mm).