THE EFFECT OF WATER LIMITATION IN THE FIELD ON SEED QUALITY OF MAIZE AND SORGHUM

Although water limitation has been shown to reduce maize (Zea mays L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) yield, little information i s available regarding its effect on seed quality. Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of water limitatio n during the whole growing season on subsequent seed quality. There wa s no effect of water limitation on seed germination or vigour of maize and sorghum as measured by standard germination, accelerated aging, c onductivity test and coefficient of velocity of germination. The data suggest that water limitation would have no effect on seed quality in maize and sorghum, but it could have considerable effect on seed yield .