ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of soybean seeds with high level of mechanical damages from different processing stages and stored with and without fungicide treatment. Collections of seed samples were performed during the processing at the following points: hopper, pre-cleaning, dryer, cleaning, spiral, sieve-classifier and the gravity table. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 9 x 2 factorial scheme, with 9 collection points and two seed treatments, in four replicates. The seeds were then evaluated immediately after processing and after six months of storage. The processing progressively improved the attributes of soybean seed quality throughout the different stages in which the gravity table plays an important role in the improvement of the physiological and sanitary quality of the lot, favoring the storage potential and vigor of the seeds. The treatment of the seeds with fungicides is effective in controlling fungi before and after storage. The storage of soybean seeds with high level of mechanical damage markedly increases their deterioration.

Key words:
Glycine max; seed processing; vigor; health