The effect of pre-sowing seed treatment with 10-(6’-methylplastoquinonyl) decyltriphenylphosphonium (SkQ3) on growth rate and yield of sunflower
As a result of the increase in the cultivated areas of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), the search for new plant protection products to increase the yield of this crop is topical problem. That is why the purpose of this work was to execute pre-sowing seed treatment with 10-(6'-methylplastoquinonyl) decyltriphenylphosphonium (SkQ3) and analyze its effect on the productivity of sunflower plants and their yield. The object of the research was a hybrid of sunflower - NK Condi. In the course of the work, a greenhouse experiment was carried out, as well as field testing at “Stepnoye” Ltd. (Verkhnedonskaya district of Rostov region). Optimal concentration of Sk03 for seed treatment -2.5 nM was established after 40 days of cultivation with different types of water regime in greenhouse. Furthermore, the maximum effect of Sk03 seed-treatment was observed in plants with water deficiency (soil moisture 35%) -we observed plant height increase by 15.1% (Sk03 concentration 2.5 nM) and 11.7% (Sk03 concentration 7.5 nM) comparison with control, moreover dry weight increases by 36.8% and 33.3% respectively. Seed treatment with Sk03 in field trials was carried out in 2017 and 2018. In the first year, the yield in the control and experimental plots practically did not differ. However, seed treatment with 10-(6'-methylplastoquinonyl) decyltriphenylphosphonium in 2018 resulted in an increase in all studied productivity indicators and an increase in yield by 17.6% compared to the control.