Moisture content at harvest and drying temperature on bean seed quality

Maurício Albertoni Scariot,Guilherme Tiburski,Michele Renata Revers Meneguzzo,Lauri Lourenço Radünz,Francisco Wilson Reichert Júnior

doi:10.1590/1983-40632016v4743135

Abstract

ABSTRACT The physical quality and physiological performance of seeds may be influenced by numerous factors, including the moisture content at harvest and drying temperature. This study aimed at evaluating the physical quality and physiological performance of black bean seeds (BRS Campeiro cultivar), depending on the moisture content at harvest and drying air temperature. The experiment was conducted under a completely randomized design, in a 3 x 5 (moisture content at harvest x drying air temperature) factorial arrangement, with four replications. The samples were collected when the seeds reached the moisture contents of 35.2 %, 25.2 % and 16.6 %. After harvesting, the seeds were subjected to drying at temperatures of 30 ºC, 35 ºC, 40 ºC, 45 ºC and 50 ºC. The physical quality of the seeds was evaluated by determining the 1,000-seed weight and hectoliter weight. The physiological performance was evaluated by the germination speed index, germination first count, accelerated aging, dry matter, seedling shoot and root length and electrical conductivity. The increase in the drying temperature, regardless of the moisture content at harvest, reduces the physical quality and physiological performance of the seeds. When subjected to drying temperatures lower than 40 ºC, the seeds obtained from the earliest harvests show a better physical quality and physiological performance.

Highlights

Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is considered one of the most important foods of the Brazilian diet
The black bean seeds (BRS Campeiro cultivar) used in the experiment were obtained from the experimental area of the Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, in Erechim, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, in the 2016 season
The experiment was conducted at the Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, in a completely randomized design, arranged in a 3 x 5 factorial scheme, with four replications

Summary

Introduction

Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is considered one of the most important foods of the Brazilian diet. It is a major source of income for farmers with low technological support (Silva & Wander 2013). The total production of the bean crop in the 2016/2017 growing season was 3,274 million tons, from an area of 3,028.3 hectares, which results in an average yield of 1,081 kg ha-1 (Conab 2017). The use of high quality seeds is one of the determining factors for high yield in a bean crop, as it provides a better plant stand and establishment in the field (Binotti et al 2008). Seed quality is made up of a series of physical, genetic, sanitary and physiological.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion