Physiological attributes of Enlist E3™ soybean seed submitted to herbicides application

Abstract Background: Enlist E3™ soybean is tolerant to 2,4-D, glyphosate and ammonium-glufosinate and were developed for effective management of herbicide resistant weeds such as glyphosate Herbicides, even being selective, can cause damage to crop metabolism, affect growth and development and interfere with seed physiological quality. Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the physiological quality of Enlist E3™ soybean seeds submitted to herbicide application. Methods: The field trial was carried out in a randomized block design with four replications. The treatments tested were 2,4-D choline + glyphosate, 2,4-D choline, glyphosate + 2,4-D amine and ammonium-glufosinate; and control without application, sprayed at V6 soybean growth stage. After harvest, the seeds were submitted to first germination count, accelerated aging, germination speed index, shoot and root length, shoot and root dry mass and electrical conductivity tests. Results: The management of Enlist E3 soybeans with Enlist herbicides (2,4-D choline + glyphosate and 2,4-D choline) as well as glyphosate + 2,4-D amine and glufosinate did not negatively impact soybean parameters such as: vigor, germination count, accelerated aging, germination speed, aerial part and primary root length, aerial part and root dry mass and electrical conductivity. Conclusions: Those herbicides can be recommended to be used on post emergence (V6) of Enlist E3 soybean.