Abstract
Abstract: The seed sector is increasingly dynamic and therefore demands rapid decision-making. The tetrazolium test is a rapid test that determines the viability of seeds, especially from species that show slow germination or dormancy. The methodology described in the Rules for Seed Testing for Stylosanthes sp. is not applied effectively to the Stylosanthes capitata Vogel species. Three seed lots of S. capitata seeds with different quality levels were used to fit the tetrazolium test methodology. In order to determine the physiological quality of seeds, the tests of germination, first count germination, emergence speed index, initial and final seedling emergence percentage, electrical conductivity, respiratory activity and seed moisture content were performed, besides the imbibition curve for the establishment of pre-imbibition periods of the seeds to perform the tetrazolium test. The pre-imbibition and staining periods of 6, 12 and 18 h, and 3, 6, 12 and 24 h at concentrations of 0.075%, 0.1% and 0.5% tetrazolium solution were tested. It was concluded that the 12-h pre-imbibition period and 6-h staining at the 0.1% tetrazolium solution is ideal for evaluating the viability of S. capitata seeds.
Highlights
Stylosanthes capitata Vogel is the species, which has one of the highest number of cultivars among tropical legumes used as pasture
At least three species had had their potential characterized for use in the Brazilian livestock scenario: Stylosanthes guianensis, S. capitata and S. macrocephala; cultivars have been developed from genetic accessions of these species (Andrade, 2013)
The seed quality was evaluated (Table 1), being important to identify the seed lots with higher and lower physiological potential in order to verify the reliability of the tetrazolium test for this purpose (Deminicis et al, 2009)
Summary
Stylosanthes capitata Vogel is the species, which has one of the highest number of cultivars among tropical legumes used as pasture. At least three species had had their potential characterized for use in the Brazilian livestock scenario: Stylosanthes guianensis, S. capitata and S. macrocephala; cultivars have been developed from genetic accessions of these species (Andrade, 2013). Both S. capitata and S. macrocephala compose the cultivar multiline Estilosantes Campo Grande, released by the Brazilian Corporation for Agricultural Research (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária - EMBRAPA). Due to its forage potential and its adaptation to different environments, besides the development of new cultivars, there is an increased demand for high quality seeds in the market, which requires precise information in order to perform tests that evaluate its quality (Rodrigues et al, 2010). The use of rapid tests becomes an essential tool to evaluate the physiological quality, optimizing the decisions regarding the management of seed lots
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