Qualidade de sementes de trigo tratadas com microrganismos eficientes e homeopatia

Abstract

The quality of wheat seeds is a determining factor for successful production, since good quality seeds result in vigorous seedlings with greater production potential. Research into alternative seed treatments to bio-inputs is necessary for organic farming and the use of efficient microorganisms and/or homeopathy could be an option in this context. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using efficient microorganisms (EM) and/or homeopathy on the physiological potential and health of wheat seeds. The work was carried out in the Agroecology laboratory at the Federal University of the Southern Frontier, Erechim Campus. Wheat seeds of the TBIO Toruk cultivar were used. Four seed treatments were tested: (1) control; (2) efficient microorganisms (EM); (3) Arsenicum album 30CH homeopathy; (4) combination of EM and homeopathy. To check the effect of the treatments, the germination percentage, first germination count, germination speed index (GVI) and percentage of fungal infection were evaluated. The results obtained showed that the treatment of wheat seeds with ME and/or homeopathy promoted a significant increase in germination, ranging from 12 to 20%, compared to the control treatment. All the seed treatments evaluated resulted in gains in vigor for the first germination count, demonstrating a beneficial effect, but they did not induce GVI. The effect of the treatments on health was different for each fungus species. For Fusarium spp. the use of homeopathy and/or ME increased infection; for Alternaria spp. there was no reduction in infection compared to the control; for Aspergillus spp. there was no difference between the treatments evaluated and, for Penicillium spp. the use of ME reduced infection compared to the control, while homeopathy controlled infection of this fungus, reducing it to 0%. It can therefore be concluded that the alternative seed treatments evaluated in this study show promising results for increasing germination and vigor and for controlling Penicillium spp. in wheat seeds. Finally, the use of efficient microorganisms and Arsenicum album homeopathy showed potential for seed treatment, constituting a sustainable and effective alternative, which can be indicated for the on-farm treatment of wheat.