Effects of seed size on seedlings characteristics of five barley cultivars

If a seed could germinate earlier and form bigger and stronger seedlings, this would positively affect its yield. Seed size affects the features and quality of seedlings of crop; therefore, farmers can select suitable and favorite size of seed and increase performance and stability of the crop. In the present study, we considered effects of three seed sizes on seedling characteristics of five barley cultivars. The study was carried out in a randomized design with four replications in Horticulture Laboratory of Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Saveh Branch, Iran. The variables considered in the study included five cultivars of barley and three seed sizes (2, 2.5 and 3 mm in width). Results suggested that the speed of germination, percentage of germination, speed of growth, root length, shoot length and seedling dry and fresh weight were generally influenced by cultivars and seed size. Seed size did not affect percentage of germination, speed of germination, root and shoot length in most of the cultivars. However, in 3 variables, namely, seedling growth rate, fresh weight and dry weight meaningful changes were observed in 3 cultivars.