Seed vigor and initial performance of bean seedlings under different sowing depths

Abstract

The sowing depth can influence the seedling emergence and its initial establishment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of sowing depth on the expression of vigor and initial performance of bean seedlings. The cultivars used were IPR-Gralha and IPR-Tiziu and the treatments consisted of different sowing depths 15, 30, 45 and 60 mm. The parameters evaluated were emergence, seedling length (root and shoot), seedling dry weight (root and shoot), leaf area, shoot/root ratio and leaf area ratio. The emergence and seedling dry weight were reduced with the sowing depth. The leaf area ratio increased in the cultivar IPR-Tiziu until depth of 30 mm and in the cultivar IPR-Gralha increased with the depth of sowing. Increased sowing depth decreased the vigor expression and initial performance of bean seedlings.