The mass and water partitioning as growth factors of maize seedlings influenced by ageing and 2,4-D

Abstract

The efficiency of xenobiotic 2,4-D was examined in light of hormesis (growth-stimulating effect at low application rates) on the seeds of two maize inbreds submitted to accelerated ageing (AA) treatment. The AA lowered the germination and seedling growth via retaining the mass in the seed rest. The examined 2,4-D dilution levels increased germination and seedling growth with higher input of water in fresh mass. It could be supposed that the stimulative effect of 2,4-D was in reparation of the damages originating from AA treatment and the running of the biosystems' water regime.