Efeito do extrato de algas marinhas sobre a qualidade fisiológica de sementes salvas de soja de diferentes cultivares

Abstract

Soybean is one of the most economically important agricultural crops worldwide, with Brazil being the largest producer. The use of high-quality seeds is crucial to ensure high productivity, which can be produced on the farm itself, known as "saved seeds." Proper care during the storage of saved seeds is essential to preserve their quality. Correct packaging and control of factors such as temperature and humidity are fundamental to avoid losses of characteristics until the next crop. The use of biostimulants, natural or synthetic substances that improve plant development and yield, such as Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed, has shown promise in increasing plant productivity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological performance of seeds from three soybean cultivars saved on a rural property, compared to a commercial cultivar with commercial seeds, with and without algae extract treatment. The saved seeds used in the tests were produced in the 2021/2022 harvest and were stored in bags for 6 months after harvest. The commercial seeds of the Brasmax Delta IPRO cultivar were obtained directly from the seed-producing company. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used, with five replicates for each treatment and cultivar. The saved seeds from the Zeus, Nexus, and BRS 1003 cultivars showed physical and physiological characteristics that were even superior to the commercial seeds of the Delta cultivar. The Nexus cultivar had the poorest performance, while Zeus stood out in terms of dry weight, normal seedlings, and electrical conductivity, even after the accelerated aging test. The treatment of seeds with algae extract had a positive impact on some cultivars; however, for others, the effect may not have been significantly advantageous.