Protótipo comercial para armazenamento de sementes de soja (Glycine max) sob baixo oxigênio

Abstract

The soybean, Glycine max, is a globally significant commodity with economic importance, and Brazil stands as the leading producer of this crop, driving the agricultural sector. To achieve optimal productivity, the use of high-quality seeds is crucial. However, studies involving seed storage show promise in minimizing physiological degradation. The presented work aimed to assess the efficiency of a commercial prototype for low-oxygen storage, considering the germination and vigor of soybean seeds. The experiment took place at the Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Laranjeiras do Sul, in a laboratory setting. Three treatments were stored and analyzed over a period of 164 days: [1] <1.0 kPa O2 + 0.04 kPa CO2, [2] 21 kPa O2 + 0.04 kPa CO2 with continuous air flow, and [3] 21 kPa O2 + 0.04 kPa CO2 without temperature control. The respective treatments underwent analyses for electrical conductivity, germination, moisture content, emergence speed index, tetrazolium test, weight of a thousand seeds, and root length. The indicators were evaluated in two stages: after the chambers were opened at 164 days and after an additional five days of exposure to ambient atmosphere at 20°C. Tukey's test with a 5% probability of error was used for result comparison. The conservation of soybean seeds under low oxygen conditions (<1.0 kPa) using the commercial prototype has proven to be feasible. Storage under low oxygen conditions (<1.0 kPa) was the method that best preserved the physiological quality of soybean seeds.