Potencial uso de sementes salvas de soja da safra 2023/2024

Abstract

Soybean is one of the main agricultural crops in Brazil, standing out for its economic relevance and central role in agribusiness. However, the high cost of certified seeds leads many farmers to opt for the use of saved seeds. This practice, regulated for personal use, requires attention to seed quality to ensure productivity. This study aims to evaluate the quality of saved soybean seeds from the 2023/2024 harvest, seeking to determine the potential use of these seeds in the next harvest. This study was carried out at the Seed Laboratory of the Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul (UFFS), Cerro Largo campus, RS, where the quality of saved soybean seeds of the Brasmax Raio and Don Mário 56i59 cultivars was evaluated, both collected on properties located in the municipalities of São Pedro do Butiá and Roque Gonzales, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The samples were subjected to evaluation of moisture content, purity, germination speed index (GSI), germination, shoot and radicle size, and health analysis. The results showed significant variability in quality among properties, influenced by management factors, environmental conditions, and the presence of pathogens. Seeds with greater vigor and health showed better performance in germination and initial development tests, while those with a high presence of fungi, such as Fusarium sp., showed a lower germination speed, which compromises the final quality of the seeds. It is concluded that, although the use of saved seeds can be an economical alternative, it requires rigorous management and storage practices to ensure quality. This study reinforces the importance of quality assessments, such as germination tests and health analysis, before sowing, ensuring that only suitable seeds are used. The research provides valuable information for farmers in the municipalities under study, who use saved seeds of the cultivars studied for the 2023/2024 harvest.