Longevity of genepool maize seeds under model conditions

Aim. To determine genotypic features of seed longevity of different subspecieses of maize - carriers of the corresponding genes under model conditions. Methods. Accessions of the maize (Zea mays L.) gene pool: dent maize (subsp.indentata), semi-dent (subsp. semindentata), waxy (subsp.ceratina) wx, popcorn (subsp.everta), sweet maize (subsp.saccharata.) sh were investigated in the conditions of model experiment "accelerated aging". Results. The seed longevity of studied maize genotypes was established in the conditions of model experiment on indicators of germination energy, seed germination and morphophysiological indexes of sprouting. The applied conditions of accelerated aging had a negligible effect on the studied parameters, which corresponded to the initial stages of seed aging. Variations in morphophysiological indexes were observed. Conclusions. The highest sensitivity to accelerated aging was found for sweet (sh) and waxy maize (wx). Variation of morphophysiological parameters of seedlings in experimental and control variants, seed longevity of the studied varieties are discussed.Keywords: gene pool, seeds, maize, subspecies, longevity.