INFLUENCE OF WINTER RYE SEED SIZE (SECALE-CEREALE L) ON GERM AND ROOTLET LENGTH, AND GRAIN-YIELD

During 1994, some laboratory tests have been conducted to determine in fluence of seed size in winter rye (variety Hacada) on germination, ge rm length and rootlet length. During 1994/1995 growing season, a field trial has been conducted to determine influence of seed size on field germination and grain yield. Seed calibration has been performed and seed fractions were analysed (mm of diameter) as follows: 2.8; 2.5; 2. 2; as well as unsieved seed as a control. The seed fractions of 2.8 mm and 2.5 mm have had the largest values of germinability (95.75%), whe reas the lowest values were attained with the seed fraction of 2.2 mm (92.50%). Similar results were also achieved with the seed size influe nce on germ length and rootlet length. Seed fraction of 2.8 mm has had the largest values of germ length (62.7 mm) and rootlet length (144.1 mm), whereas the lowest values were attained with the seed fraction o f 2.2 mm, respectively (germ length 33.0 mm and rootlet length 72.1 mm ). The largest number of emerged plants/m(2) was attained with the see d fraction of 2.8 mm (527 plants/m(2)) and the lowest one with the see d fraction of 2.2 mm (498 plants/m(2)). The greatest grain yield of wi nter rye was attained with the seed fraction of 2.8 mm (6 200.25 kg/ha ), and the smallest grain yield with the seed fraction of 2.2 mm (5 89 1.25 kg/ha).