Qualidade fisiológica e sanitária de sementes de soja tratadas com nanopartículas de óxido de zinco no armazenamento

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit promising physicochemical properties for antimicrobial control, and it is essential that they are biocompatible and specific to avoid issues such as phytotoxicity and the selection of resistant microorganisms. In the case of soybean cultivation, seed treatment with NPs may offer an efficient and environmentally responsible approach for the control of phytopathogenic fungi, protecting seeds and preserving their storability. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of zinc oxide nanoparticles in controlling pathogens and maintaining the physiological quality of stored soybean seeds. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with treatments arranged in a 6 × 3 factorial scheme, consisting of six seed treatments [ZnO:Mo; ZnO:K; ZnO; ZnO:Mg; Fungicide (Thiophanate-Methyl + Fluazinam); Control (water)] and three storage periods (0, 45, and 90 days), with four replications. The physical and physiological quality variables analyzed were: moisture content, germination test with vermiculite addition, seedling emergence test in sand trays, seedling length, growth index, uniformity index, and vigor index. Seed health quality was also assessed using the blotter test. Nanoparticles were effective in soybean seed treatment and showed potential in controlling phytopathogenic fungi during storage. Treatments with ZnO and ZnO:Mg achieved control similar to that of the commercial fungicide against Cladosporium spp. The ZnO:K nanoparticle demonstrated potential in soybean seed treatment, contributing to the maintenance of physiological quality and the control of phytopathogenic fungi during storage, with greater efficiency against Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp.