The aim was to evaluate the ways of mixing the solid lubricant graphite with corn seeds, the graphite rates, and its influence on seed longitudinal distribution and germination, with and without phytosanitary treatment, using a horizontal seed plate. The factors analyzed were: seed longitudinal distribution (skips, multiple seed drops, and acceptable spacings) and the germination rates at 7 and 14 days after placement in the germinator. It was concluded that the phytosanitary treatment increased the skips and multiples and decreased the acceptable spacings. The use of graphite decreased the number of skips and multiples and increased the acceptable spacings. The best graphite mixture occurred in the seed treatment machine. The longitudinal distribution reached its excellent point with the dosage of graphite of 3.37 g kg-1 of seed. Phytosanitary treatment, metering system, and graphite did not influence the germination of the corn seeds.
horizontal seed plate; acceptable spacing; seeder
