Saturated salt accelerated aging and computerized analysis of seedling images to evaluate soybean seed performance

Abstract

Seed deterioration causes losses to seed companies during the storage. For researches, the challenge has been to develop techniques which improve the seed longevity as well as laboratory analysis methods required for evaluating the evolution of deterioration in storage. This study had the objective of determining the effectiveness of the accelerated aging test with a saturated NaCl solution and Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS) analysis in checking soybean seed physiological in comparison with the recommended vigor tests. Soybean seeds from the cultivars BRS 184 and M-Soy 7908 RR were used, each of them were represented by six lots and stored for six months under two environment conditions. Seed physiological quality was checked every two months in storage through germination evaluations, accelerated aging (different methods), tetrazolium test (vigor and viability) seedling emergence, and SVIS analysis. The tetrazolium test is the most advisable method for evaluating soybean seed quality during storage. The results of the saturated salt accelerated aging test with NaCl at 41 ºC for 72 or 96 hours and the SVIS evaluation are also both efficient for estimating the physiological potential of seeds.