Qualidade fisiológica de sementes de soja para diferentes populações e zonas de diferentes potenciais

Abstract

Soybeans hold a fundamental position in Brazil's agricultural economy, both in grain production and international trade. Seed quality and the adequacy of management practices are essential to ensuring productivity and the success of the crop. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different population densities and management zones with varying productive potentials on the physiological quality of soybean seeds. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Federal University of Uberlândia, in a 48-hectare field. Data collection followed a regular sampling grid with one point per hectare. Experimental plots were established considering two population densities: 300,000 plants per hectare (recommended density) and 220,000 plants per hectare (achieved by thinning). Management zones of differing productive potentials were defined based on the initial plant stand at the V1-V2 growth stages. Seed physiological quality was assessed using germination tests, dry matter analysis, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity, and tetrazolium tests. The results revealed significant differences in the variables of accelerated aging and tetrazolium for high-vigor seeds, depending on population density and management zones. It was concluded that combining management zones with varying potentials (high, medium, and low) and appropriate population densities (recommended and thinned) can be an effective strategy to improve the physiological quality of soybean seeds, thereby optimizing production.