Physiological Potential Of Soybean Seeds Research Articles

Analysis of seedling images to evaluate the physiological potential of soybean seeds

The use of artificial intelligence techniques collaborate in laboratory analysis of seeds. In this sense, the objective of this work was to verify the efficiency of the Ground Eye® equipment in evaluating the vigor of soybean seeds and the agronomic performance of soybean varieties 74I77 RSF IPRO and NT 1478SP. For this, experiments were carried out to analyze the germination of soybean seeds. The variables analyzed by the analyst and Ground Eye® equipment were the following: number of normal, intermediate, weak and abnormal seedlings. The tetrazolium, vigor and seedling emergence test under field conditions for soybean cultivars were also performed. For seedling emergence in the field, tetrazolium test and vigor there was no statistical difference between soybean cultivars. The Ground Eye Series L equipment showed a lower number of normal seedlings, number of intermediate seedlings, number of weak seedlings and a higher number of vigorous seedlings when compared to the analyzes carried out manually. Based on the results, the cultivar NT 1478SP showed better performance and may be promising in the field. The Ground Eye L Series equipment is an efficient tool for checking the vigor of soybean seedlings, helping the analyst to perform the tests more quickly.

Physiological potential of soybean seeds subjected to industrial treatment and storage time

The use of treated seeds is a common practice among soybean producers, as it provides protection against pests and diseases existing in the soil, preventing their spread in exempt areas. Therefore, chemical treatment combined with different products becomes essential to guarantee success in the field.The objective of this study was to assess the influence that 7 industrial seed treatments (ISTs) and their respective slurry volumes have on the physiological potential of soybean seeds. The assay was carried out in a completely randomized design with 4 replications, with the treatments being arranged in a 7x6 factorial scheme (industrial treatments x storage periods). The chemical treatments were: control (untreated seeds) (ST1), fungicide + insecticide-1 + drying powder (ST2), fungicide + insecticide-1 + drying powder + micronutrient (ST3), fungicide + insecticide-1 + drying powder + micronutrient + biostimulant (ST4), fungicide + insecticide-1 + polymer + drying powder + insecticide-2 (ST5), fungicide + insecticide-1 + polymer + drying powder + insecticide-2 + micronutrient (ST6), fungicide + insecticide-1 + polymer + drying powder + insecticide-2 + micronutrient + biostimulant (ST7). For each IST, the specific slurry volume was 0, 350, 550, 1050, 500, 700 and 1200 mL 100 kg-1 of seeds, respectively. The seeds were stored for periods of 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days and subsequently checked for their physiological potential. In each storage period, the following tests were conducted: germination, first count, accelerated aging, emergence speed index, and final emergence in sand substrate. Among the evaluated treatments, ST4 and ST7 were the most harmful to the physiological quality of the seeds in all storage periods, since they presented the greatest slurry volume. In relation to treatments with less harmful effects on seeds, treatments ST2 and ST3 presented higher averages for most of the variables analyzed

Physiological potential of soybean seeds treated and stored under uncontrolled conditions

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the isolated effect and the combination of products in the chemical treatment on the physiological potential of soybean seeds with different vigor levels, after different storage periods. The study was divided into four experiments, with different storage periods: 0, 45, 90 and 135 days, all with a completely randomized design, with four replicates. The treatments were arranged in a 12 x 2 (A x B) factorial scheme, in which factor A consisted of the application of seed treatment and factor B consisted of initial vigor levels. The physiological potential of the seeds was determined by means of the following evaluations: first germination count, seed germination, seedling emergence in the sand substrate, accelerated aging with NaCl-saturated solution, vigor index and average seedling length (Vigor-S®). Storage of seeds under uncontrolled conditions causes greater deterioration, and this process can be intensified by previous chemical treatment of the seeds. Among the products studied, the use of drying powder alone was the treatment that caused the greatest losses in the different situations studied. To ensure the maintenance of the physiological potential of soybean seeds, treatment should be carried out as close as possible to sowing.

Low-cost system for multispectral image acquisition and its applicability to analysis of the physiological potential of soybean seeds

The use of multispectral images has great potential to assess seed quality and represents a significant technological advance in the search for fast and non-destructive analysis techniques. However, the devices currently available are expensive. Thus, this study aimed to propose a low-cost method for acquisition and processing of multispectral images of soybean seeds and to evaluate their potential for rapid determination of seed physiological potential. The study was conducted in three steps: implementation of the multispectral image acquisition system, development of an algorithm for automatic image processing, and evaluation of the relationship between the data obtained through image analysis and the results of standard tests used to evaluate seed physiological potential. A total of 43 variables were assessed, eight related to seed physiological potential (germination and vigor) and 35 obtained from the analysis of the multispectral images. Of the variables obtained from multispectral images, 21 were related to pixel values in the images in the different bands evaluated (green, red, and infrared) and 14 associated with seed morphometric characteristics. The proposed system is efficient in obtaining multispectral images and the algorithm developed was efficient to extract morphometric characteristics and pixel information from the images. The parameters obtained from the NIR spectrum region showed a good relationship with the physiological potential of soybean seeds.

Oxidative stress, protein metabolism, and physiological potential of soybean seeds under weathering deterioration in the pre-harvest phase

Weathering deterioration affects seed quality, especially in areas with excessive rainfall. This study aimed to evaluate the oxidative stress, physiological quality, and protein metabolism of seeds of different soybean cultivars under weathering deterioration at the pre-harvest phase. Six soybean cultivars (BMX Apolo, DM 6563, NS 5959, NA 5909, BMX Potência, and TMG 1175) were subjected to simulated rainfall at the R8 stage. Each level was divided into two applications at 72-h intervals: 60 mm (30 + 30), 120 mm (60 + 60), and 180 mm (90 + 90). Then, the seeds were harvested and evaluated for physiological potential, antioxidative enzymes, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, proteins, and protease activity. The simulated rainfall allowed the variation in seed moisture, promoting a significant reduction in germination and seed vigor, especially at 120 and 180 mm levels. There were also reductions in antioxidative enzyme activity with weathering deterioration (mainly for catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and peroxidase), accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, and reductions in protein content and protease activity. The proposed rainfall system is efficient in inducing weathering deterioration during the pre-harvest phase and its deleterious effects. Weathering deterioration in soybean seeds in the pre-harvest stage is directly influenced by genotype.

Quantification of chlorophyll fluorescence in soybean seeds by multispectral images and their relationship with physiological potential

Abstract: The multispectral image analysis technique to detect chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) in soybean seeds was studied to assess the relationship between CF signals and seed physiological potential. Eight treatments, corresponding to 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, and 14% green seeds, were used on two cultivars, BMX Desafio RR 8473 RSF and 96R10 IPRO, which passed through different seed quality tests. Initially, the CF of the seeds was determined using 660 nm and 730 nm spectra, and then the germination, electrical conductivity, accelerated aging with saturated NaCl solution, tetrazolium, and computerized seedling image analysis (Vigor-S) tests were performed on the same seeds. A completely randomized design was used, as well as replications of each treatment. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the data from germination, vigor, and CF tests using the R® software, and the means were grouped by the Scott-Knott test (p ≤ 0.05). Pearson’s linear correlation coefficients (r) were calculated for all combinations among the evaluations with significance of the r values determined by the t-test (p ≤ 0.05), and multivariate analysis of the principal components was performed. Proportional increases in green seeds contribute to an increase in chlorophyll fluorescence signals and have a negative correlation with seed physiological quality; levels above 4% green seeds in the samples result in marked losses in physiological potential. Therefore, the chlorophyll fluorescence detected through multispectral images is inversely related to the physiological potential of soybean seeds.

Physiological potential of soybean seeds produced in southern Brazil

Soy is the most economically important agricultural crop in the world. Achieving higher productivity has been a challenge in today's agriculture. Making the seed, surely, the most important input for agricultural development, because, as a living organism, it is depositary, directly or indirectly, of a large part of the technological advances developed by researchers over decades. Therefore, the successful implantation of a crop is in the use of seeds of high physiological quality, with a high percentage of germination and vigor. Thirty cultivars and 29 cities were used, totaling 131 samples from the three southern Brazilian states. Being evaluated the physiological quality, as well as its components, germination, accelerated aging at 41ºC for 48 hours, tetrazolium test, and mass of a thousand seeds. For the macronutrient tests, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), Calcium (Ca) and Molybdenum (Mo) were analyzed. At the end of this work, it can be concluded that the three states in the south of Brazil did not present differences regarding the physiological quality of the tested cultivars. However, the physiological potential comprises the set of skills that allows estimating the capacity of a batch of seeds to properly manifest their vital functions after sowing.

Autofluorescence-spectral imaging as an innovative method for rapid, non-destructive and reliable assessing of soybean seed quality

In the agricultural industry, advances in optical imaging technologies based on rapid and non-destructive approaches have contributed to increase food production for the growing population. The present study employed autofluorescence-spectral imaging and machine learning algorithms to develop distinct models for classification of soybean seeds differing in physiological quality after artificial aging. Autofluorescence signals from the 365/400 nm excitation-emission combination (that exhibited a perfect correlation with the total phenols in the embryo) were efficiently able to segregate treatments. Furthermore, it was also possible to demonstrate a strong correlation between autofluorescence-spectral data and several quality indicators, such as early germination and seed tolerance to stressful conditions. The machine learning models developed based on artificial neural network, support vector machine or linear discriminant analysis showed high performance (0.99 accuracy) for classifying seeds with different quality levels. Taken together, our study shows that the physiological potential of soybean seeds is reduced accompanied by changes in the concentration and, probably in the structure of autofluorescent compounds. In addition, altering the autofluorescent properties in seeds impact the photosynthesis apparatus in seedlings. From the practical point of view, autofluorescence-based imaging can be used to check modifications in the optical properties of soybean seed tissues and to consistently discriminate high-and low-vigor seeds.

Treatment of soybean seeds with mechanical damage: effects on their physiological potential

Abstract: Mechanical damage is a serious problem for the physiological potential of soybean seeds, especially when combined with chemical treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chemical treatment on the physiological potential of soybean seeds with increasing levels of mechanical damage. Soybean seeds (cv. M6410 IPRO) of two lots with differences in vigor were subjected to five levels of mechanical damage (zero, one, two, three, and four impacts) brought about in a controlled manner. After characterization of the effect of the impacts on seed physical integrity (X-ray, X-ray microtomography, tetrazolium, and sodium hypochlorite), the seeds were subjected to four combinations of chemical treatment with fungicides (carbendazim and thiram), insecticides (imidacloprid and thiodicarb), micronutrients (cobalt and molybdenum), polymer (Peridiam®), and drying powder (Talkum Gloss®). Seed germination and vigor were evaluated sixty days after chemical treatment. A progressive increase in mechanical damage, especially that which causes cracks in the seed coat, reduces the physiological potential of soybean seeds and increases their sensitivity to the phytotoxic effect of the chemical treatment. The physical integrity of the seed coat is crucial for the success of technologies used for chemical seed treatment.

Accelerated aging methodologies for evaluating physiological potential of treated soybean seeds

Abstract: This work evaluated the efficiency of accelerated aging test to determine the physiological potential in treated soybean seeds with fungicides and insecticides, in addition to analyzing the concordance between the results obtained by different accelerated aging methods with the actual results of the physiological quality in seeds after the storage. The study was divided into two experiments, both with entirely randomized delineation, with four replications. In the first experiment, seed germination was evaluated after imposing some treatments that were arranged in a 3 x 2 x 3 factorial scheme: seed treatment (imidacloprid + thiodicarb; fipronil + thiophanate methyl + pyraclostrobin; no treatment); vigor levels (high; low); and accelerated aging (traditional; saturated NaCl solution; no aging). In the second experiment, seedling emergence was evaluated after applying some treatments that were arranged in a 3 x 2 x 2 factorial scheme: seed treatment (imidacloprid + thiodicarb; fipronil + thiophanate methyl + pyraclostrobin; no treatment); vigor levels (high; low); storage time (0 and 135 days). The accelerated aging methods were efficient to determine the physiological potential of the seeds, in which, the NaCl method presented better results. The physiological potential of soybean seeds decreased throughout storage and the application of chemicals in seed treatment impaired the germination and emergence percentages, regardless of the active ingredient used. The accelerated aging method with NaCl presents greater agreement with the actual storage results.

Physiological response of soybean seeds to spray volumes of industrial chemical treatment and storage in different environments

Abstract: The increase in spray volumes in industrial seed treatments may increase the deterioration and reduce the physiological potential of seeds, especially when stored in unfavorable environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of spray volumes obtained by the combination of different chemical products, via industrial treatment, on the physiological potential of soybean seeds during storage in different environments. A completely randomized experimental design was used in a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement, with four replications. The factors were five spray volumes (0, 600, 1200, 1800 and 2400 mL.100 kg-1 of seeds), obtained from the combination of different products in commercial use, and three storage periods (0, 60 and 120 days), evaluated separately in two environments (storage without climate control and cold storage). The following variables were evaluated: germination, first germination count, seedling emergence in sand, emergence speed index, seedling length (total, shoot, and root) and dry matter (shoot and root). The physiological potential of soybean seeds is reduced by increasing the spray volume used in the industrial treatment and by prolonging the storage period. However, this effect is mitigated by the controlled conditions of cold storage.

Vigor-S: System for Automated Analysis of Soybean Seed Vigor

Abstract: Computerized systems for image analysis are alternatives to decrease the subjectivity and speed of assessment of seed physiological potential. The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of the Seed Vigor Automated Analysis System (Vigor-S) to identify differences in vigor among soybean seed lots compared to results of the Seed Vigor Imaging System - SVIS® and tests recommended for evaluation of soybean seed vigor. Two cultivars were used, BMX Potência RR and 7166 RSF IPRO, each one represented by ten seed lots with similar germination and vigor differences. The seeds were evaluated regarding germination, vigor (tetrazolium, accelerated aging), seedling emergence in the field and SVIS® and Vigor-S analysis, in three experimental periods. Analysis of variance was used on the data in a completely randomized experimental design (laboratory tests) and in randomized blocks (field tests), and the mean values were compared by the Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05). Separation of the seed lots by Vigor-S was consistent with the results obtained in tests recognized as effective in evaluating the physiological potential of soybean seeds, and there was no interference of the different cultivars on the response pattern for vigor. Analysis through Vigor-S proved to be effective in determination of physiological potential and for composition of quality control programs established by soybean seeds production companies.

Efeito da irrigação por aspersão no rendimento e potencial fisiológico das sementes de soja

A irrigação por aspersão pode minimizar os efeitos negativos da deficiência hídrica e aumentar o rendimento e desempenho de sementes de soja no campo. Assim, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da irrigação por aspersão no rendimento e potencial fisiológico das sementes de soja produzidas em solos de várzea. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por oito cultivares de soja e dois regimes hídricos: com e sem irrigação por aspersão. Foram utilizadas cultivares de soja BMX Força RR, BRS Tertúlia RR, CD 249 RR STS, BMX Potência RR, do grupo de maturação (GM) 6 e BRS 246 RR, BRS Charrua RR, BRS Taura RR, e CD 231 RR, do grupo de maturação (GM) 7. As variáveis analisadas foram o rendimento de sementes, germinação, primeira contagem da germinação, envelhecimento acelerado, condutividade elétrica, emergência em campo e peso de mil sementes. A irrigação por aspersão na cultura da soja em solo de várzea proporciona acréscimos no rendimento de todas as cultivares em estudo, variando os acréscimos entre 32% a 139% e proporciona acréscimo no potencial fisiológico de sementes das cultivares BMX Força RR, BRS Tertúlia RR, CD 249 RR STS, BMX Potência RR, e BRS Taura RR.

Physiological potential of soybean seeds and its relationshipto electrical conductivity

Abstract: Electrical conductivity (EC) stands out among vigor tests because of its capability of detecting damage in seeds in the initial stage, since EC is related to disorganization of the cell membrane. The aim of this paper was to study use of the EC test as an alternative for vigor evaluation in soybean seeds, verifying its relationship to different vigor tests and thus suggesting values and the range of values of electrical conductivity that indicate the performance potential of a seed lot in the field. Eleven seed lots from each of four soybean cultivars were used for this study. The moisture level was determined and the following tests were performed: electrical conductivity, germination, tetrazolium, accelerated aging, first germination count, seedling vigor classification and emergence of seedlings in the field and in sand. The EC test had a significant and negative correlation (p < 0.01) with all the tests performed. Linear regression analysis allowed separation of the seed lots into classifications of very high vigor (EC ≤ 70 μS.cm-1.g-1), high vigor (EC from 71 to 90 μS.cm-1.g-1), medium vigor (EC from 91 to 110 μS.cm-1.g-1) and low vigor (EC ≥ 111 μS.cm-1.g-1).

Semi-automated Phenotyping of Soybean Seedlings and Its Relation With Physiological Seed Quality

The development of procedures enabling agility and effectiveness to the analyses of seed vigor are great advances for the seed research field. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the efficiency of the Seedling Analysis System (SAPL®) to seedling phenotyping and determining the physiological potential of soybean seeds, in comparison with the information provided by traditional vigor tests recommended for this species. The characterizing of physiological potential of the seed lots was carried out based on germination tests, first germination count, seedling emergence, cold test, and electrical conductivity. The results of these tests were compared with the data obtained using image analysis with the software SAPL®, which was used to evaluate the development seven- day old seedlings. It was obtained the length of shoot, primary root and entire seedling, growth rates, uniformity, vigor index and corrected vigor index, based on different variations of the growth/uniformity ratio, namely 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, in the vigor index calculation. Analysis of images of the seven-day old seedlings using SAPL® enables phenotyping of soybean seedlings and is a consistent and promising alternative for identifying differences in vigor between soybean seed lots, equivalent to that found with traditional vigor tests.

Uji Deteriorasi Terkontrol (UDT) ‎untuk Memperkirakan Masa Simpan Benih Kedelai (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

Deterioration of seeds during storage may reduce the supply of high-quality seeds which become the limiting ‎factor of soybean production in tropical countries. Controlled Deterioration Test (CDT) is one of the ‎fastest vigor testing methods. The objective of this study was to achieve the suitable moisture content and ‎duration of CDT treatment in soybean seed, then establish a model that associated with the seed vigor in ‎the field after a certain time of storage. Split-plot with 2 factors, namely seed varieties and the combination of ‎moisture content and heat exposure duration were used to determine the influence of CDT treatment. ‎Another split-plot for 2 factors, namely storage period and seed varieties were used to determine the effect ‎of shelf life. Viability parameters were observed by germination strength (GS) and seedling vigor index (VI), ‎using a rolled paper towel method. The results showed that there was an interaction between soybean seed ‎varieties and the combination of seed moisture content treatment with duration of CDT exposure. Sindoro ‎and Tanggamus varieties had higher viability and storability than other varieties. Combinations of 28% seed ‎moisture content for 24 hours CDT duration were sensitive enough to evaluate the physiological potential of ‎soybean seeds, providing information that was closely related to seed germination after stored for 1 month. ‎

Accelerated aging test and its relationship to physiological potential of soybean seeds

Abstract: Although accelerated aging is one of the tests most used for evaluation of the physiological quality of soybean seeds, there are few studies that relate it to other physiological tests used for the crop. In this context, the objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of accelerated aging to the results of physiological performance obtained in the vigor tests most frequently used in the soybean quality control system (germination, first count, seedling vigor classification, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity, emergence speed index, final emergence in sand substrate, and field emergence). The experiment was conducted with seeds that had different vigor levels, adopting a completely randomized experimental design with four replications. Pearson simple correlation analysis (r) and simple linear regression analysis at both 1% and 5% probability were conducted on the data. The results showed that the seedling vigor classification test (r = 0.9160) and the field emergence test (r = 0.9198) were those that best correlated with accelerated aging, followed by the germination (r = 0.8690), first count of germination (r = 0.8460), and electrical conductivity (r = 0.8912) tests.

Physiological potential of soybean seeds under hypoxia and salinity stress

Adverse factors affect the physiological performance of soybean seeds during field establishment. This study evaluates the physiological potential of Intacta soybean seeds under hypoxia and salinity stress, by submersion in water using different osmotic potentials. In both situations, three intact soybean cultivars (TMG 7062 IPRO, 63i64 RSF IPRO, 7166 RSF IPRO) were tested in the laboratory. To test the effect of hypoxia, the seeds subjected to the tests were previously immersed in water for periods of 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours. In the evaluation of salinity stress, towel papers were moistened with different solutions of potassium chloride (KCl) (0.0; -0.4; -0.8; and -1.2 MPa). Seed germination and vigor (first germination count, shoot length, primary root length, and seedling dry biomass) were evaluated. Seed germination was negatively affected by the 12-hour period of hypoxia. Cultivars 763i64 and 7166 were more tolerant to hypoxia conditions. Cultivar 7062 was more tolerant to salinity stress. Osmotic potential of -0.4 MPa affected the vigor of soybean seeds. Soybean cultivars showed adaptive differ­ences under hypoxia and salinity stress.

Slurry Composition and Physiological Quality of Treated Soybean Seeds Over Storage

Industrial seed treatment assures uniform coverage of seeds with insecticides, fungicides, micronutrients and bioestimulant at precise dose, however often resulting in higher slurry volume. Furthermore, seeds are coated long periods of time prior sowing and may influence germination and vigor. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of seven industrial seed treatments and their respective slurry volumes on the physiological potential of soybean seeds at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days of storage. In each storage period, the variables germination, accelerated aging test and emergency speed index were evaluated and studied in the repeated measures in time model. The products used were: fungicide (thiabendazole, fludioxonil and mefenoxam), insecticide (thiametoxam), insecticide/nematicide (abamectin), micronutrients (cobalt and molybdenum), bioregulator, drying powder and polymer. High volumes of seed-coating mixtures reduce the physiological quality of soybean seeds over storage. However, the slurry composition also influenced on the maintenance of the seed germination and vigor throughout the storage.

SAPL®: a free software for determining the physiological potential in soybean seeds1

ABSTRACT Obtaining image-based information is a powerful approach to capture and quantify seed vigor data. However, commercial systems that facilitate the processing and acquisition of images are often cost prohibitive. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the Seedling Analysis System (Sistema de Análise de Plântulas - SAPL®), in order to analyze the physiological potential of soybean seeds, in comparison with the information provided by vigor tests which are traditionally recommended for this species. Nine lots of soybean seeds were submitted to germination, germination speed, seedling emergence, cold test and electrical conductivity tests. In the SAPL® analyzes, seedlings of four and six days, counted from the beginning of the germination test, were evaluated, resulting in values for seedling length, growth, development uniformity, vigor index and corrected vigor index. The evaluated lots with emergence greater than 90 % showed a vigor index higher than 600 and 800, respectively in the fourth and sixth days. The indexes generated by SAPL®, except for the uniformity index, presented positive and high correlations with the traditional tests (> 0.80). SAPL® is efficient in identifying differences in the vigor of soybean seed lots.