The present paper considers the possible effects of physiological pre-treatment during the beginning of corn seeds germination in environments variable as to water availability (0 to -12 atm ). Periods of defficiency followed by 5 days without hydric limitations were compared with a control that remained equally, without reservations as to the disposability of water during 5 days. Results indicated that hydric pre-treatment of seeds can, if property adapted in its details, provide some advantages in the development of the seedlings derived from them. Chemical fungicide treatment of the seeds, submmited to the hydric pre-treatment may not be beneficial to the seedlings; as indicated by, in some isolated cases, the production of abnormalities in the embryonic structures.
corn; seeds; germination; priming