Harvest delay, storage and physiological quality of soybean seeds

Abstract: Soybean is one of the leading commodities in Brazilian agribusiness. Its cultivation is widespread in different seed-producing regions of the country, where it generates income and local development. In this context, the soybean seed is a fundamental input, as its quality strongly influences the success of the crop. However, the period after the achievement of physiological maturity is critical for the maintenance of seed quality. For that reason, this study aimed at evaluating the effect of harvest delay on both the initial and final qualities of soybean seeds. The research consisted of four harvest times, in which the initial quality was assessed through tests of first germination count, germination, accelerated aging and tetrazolium. After 120 days of storage, the germination and accelerated aging tests were once again conducted. The experiment complied with a completely randomized block design with eight replications. The rainfall was monitored during the pre-harvest phase. All variables experienced negative impacts due to the delay in harvesting. Also, the seeds suffered more damage as the delay progressed, and the variables germination and seed vigor decreased after the storage period.