Abstract
Abstract: Soybean is one of the leading commodities in Brazilian agribusiness. Its cultivation is widespread in different seed-producing regions of the country, where it generates income and local development. In this context, the soybean seed is a fundamental input, as its quality strongly influences the success of the crop. However, the period after the achievement of physiological maturity is critical for the maintenance of seed quality. For that reason, this study aimed at evaluating the effect of harvest delay on both the initial and final qualities of soybean seeds. The research consisted of four harvest times, in which the initial quality was assessed through tests of first germination count, germination, accelerated aging and tetrazolium. After 120 days of storage, the germination and accelerated aging tests were once again conducted. The experiment complied with a completely randomized block design with eight replications. The rainfall was monitored during the pre-harvest phase. All variables experienced negative impacts due to the delay in harvesting. Also, the seeds suffered more damage as the delay progressed, and the variables germination and seed vigor decreased after the storage period.
Highlights
Soybean is one of the central commodities in contemporaneous agribusiness
The high vigor of soybean seeds has a direct impact on yield components, which can lead to a productivity up to 15% higher than that obtained from low-vigor seeds (Tavares et al, 2013; Silva et al, 2016; Bagateli et al, 2019)
In order to have their high quality attested, seeds ought to present certain physiological and sanitary conditions, including superior levels of vigor and germination, physical and varietal purities, and they must be free from any pathogens
Summary
In Brazil, it stands out among other cultures, with a producing area of about 35 million hectares in the 2018/ 2019 crop – approximately 60% of the total area used for summer cultures (Conab, 2019). In order to have their high quality attested, seeds ought to present certain physiological and sanitary conditions, including superior levels of vigor and germination, physical and varietal purities, and they must be free from any pathogens. These factors respond for the performance of seeds in the field, favoring the establishment of the plant populations required by the cultivar, a fundamental aspect for accomplishing the desired high productivity (França-Neto et al, 2010)
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