ABSTRACT This study investigated the effectiveness of using the X-ray technique to assess the viability of papaya seeds. The X-ray images were performed in eight replicates of 25 seeds, placed on transparent acrylic plates on double-sided adhesive tape, previously identified, and then submitted to radiation in X-ray equipment "HP Faxitron". After exposure to X-ray radiation, the seeds were submitted to the germination test in rolls of germitest paper and kept in a germination chamber at 20-30 °C for 30 days. Seedlings were photographed and evaluated as normal seedlings, abnormal and non-germinated seeds. Afterward, the X-ray images and the seedlings from the same seeds were visually compared, and the X-ray images clearly showed seeds with and without internal filling. All abnormal seedlings were full seeds; therefore, X-ray images were not able to separate normal and abnormal. A 100% accuracy was verified by comparing the X-ray images and their respective seedlings, full seeds originated normal or abnormal seedlings, and empty seeds corresponded to non-germinated seeds. Therefore, using X-ray images is a promising technique to identify the viability of papaya seeds. The automated analysis of X-ray images is a simple, fast, and efficient technique to provide information on seed viability and generate parameters related to their germination capacity.

ABSTRACT The objective was to verify if the primary root emission can be recommended as a vigor test for soybean seeds. For this, five lots of varieties ANTA 82, NA7337 and BRS1074IPRO were evaluated by first count, germination, emergence, emergence speed index and tetrazolium tests. In the root protrusion test at 20, 25 and 30 ºC, two evaluation criteria were adopted: primary root emission precocity index (PREPI) and percentage of seeds that emitted the primary root (PRE). The seeds counted were those with a primary root equal to or greater than 2 mm, every 12 h from the installation of the test until 120 h. The design was completely randomized and means were compared, within each evaluation time, using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. Pearson’s linear correlation was performed for PREPI and PRE with emergence. PREPI was not considered efficient. For the PRE, at 20 ºC, there was a correlation at 72 h, for the three varieties. At 25 ºC there was a correlation for a period of 36 h for ANTA 82 and NA7337 and 60 h for BRS1074IPRO. At 30 ºC there was a correlation in the time of 36 h for the three cultivars. Considering that speed in obtaining results is important in vigor tests, it is concluded that primary root emission for 36 h after installing the test at 30 ºC is recommended as a vigor test in the quality control of soybean seeds.

RESUMO A algaroba (Prosopis juliflora (Sw) D.C.) é uma espécie exótica cujas folhas têm grande potencial para utilização na alimentação humana e animal, sendo altamente nutritivas, além de ser considerada eficiente na recuperação de áreas degradadas e solos empobrecidos. Apesar da procura crescente por sementes e mudas desta espécie, pouco se conhece sobre a qualidade fisiológica de suas sementes. Diante disto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a biometria de frutos e sementes da espécie, além de determinar as temperaturas e substratos para a germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas. Foi determinada a quantidade de sementes por quilograma e o teor de água das sementes. Analisou-se o comprimento, o diâmetro, o peso, e o número de sementes em cada fruto e a espessura, a largura, o comprimento e o peso das sementes. No teste de germinação foram utilizadas três temperaturas (20, 30 e 20-30°C) sob o regime de 14 horas de luz branca e dois substratos (sobre papel e rolo de papel). Determinaram-se as curvas de embebição das sementes, a germinação, o índice de velocidade de germinação, o comprimento da parte aérea, o comprimento da raiz e a massa seca das plântulas. Os dados biométricos indicam ampla variabilidade para as características avaliadas para frutos, entretanto, as sementes apresentam menor variabilidade. As temperaturas de 30 e 20-30°C e ambos os substratos testados são eficientes para a condução do teste de germinação de sementes de algaroba em laboratório.

ABSTRACT The algaroba (Prosopis juliflora (Sw) D.C.) is an exotic species whose leaves have great potential for use in human and animal feeding, being highly nutritious, besides being considered efficient in the recovery of degraded areas and impoverished soils. Despite the growing demand for seeds and seedlings of this species, little is known about the physiological quality of their seeds. Therefore, the objective of this work was to characterize the fruit and seed biometry of the species, as well as to determine the temperatures and substrates for the germination and early development of seedlings. The number of seeds per kilogram and the water content of the seeds were determined. The length, diameter, weight, and number of seeds in each fruit and the thickness, width, length and weight of the seeds were analyzed. In the germination test, three temperatures (20, 30 and 20-30°C) were used under the regime of 14 hours of white light and two substrates (on paper and paper roll). Seed embedding curves, germination, germination speed index, shoot length, root length and seedling dry mass were determined. The biometric data indicate wide variability for the characteristics evaluated for fruits, however, the seeds present less variability. Temperatures of 30 and 20-30 °C and both substrates tested are efficient for conducting the germination test of algaroba seeds in the laboratory.

Efeitos do glyphosate nos teores foliares de micro-nutrientes de soja transgênica têm sido amplamente relatados, porém, pouco se sabe sobre seus efeitos associados a outros agrotóxicos. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar a produção e a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de soja, bem como os teores de micronutrientes nas folhas, em função de métodos de controle de plantas daninhas. Foram avaliados dez tratamentos DBC, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições. Nas parcelas, avaliou-se o efeito da aplicação ou não de endossulfan + tebuconazole e, nas subparcelas, o efeito dos métodos de controle de plantas daninhas (testemunha não capinada; testemunha capinada; aplicação única de glyphosate (1.080 g ha-1) e fomesafen + fluazifop-ρ-butil (180 + 225 g ha-1), ambas aos 15 DAE; e aplicação sequencial de glyphosate (1.080 g ha-1), aos 15, 30 e 45 DAE). Após a colheita da soja, as sementes foram amostradas, para avaliar a sua germinação, vigor e produtividade. Os teores de manganês foram influenciados pela aplicação sequencial de glyphosate, associada ao endossulfan + tebuconazole. A germinação do teste de frio foi reduzida em sementes de plantas tratadas com fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butil, em associação com endossulfan + tebuconazole. Dentre os tratamentos sem endossulfan + tebuconazole, a aplicação sequencial de glyphosate promoveu a maior massa de cem sementes, bem como, associada à mistura endossulfan + tebuconazole, diminuiu os teores foliares de Cu e Mn, porém, melhorou a germinação e não influenciou no vigor das sementes, em relação à soja capinada.

Glyphosate effects on leaf micronutrients contents of transgenic soybean have been widely reported, however, little is known about these effects associated with other pesticides. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiologic quality and yield of soybean seeds, as well as leaf micronutrients contents, according to weed control methods. Ten RBD treatments were arranged in a split-plot scheme with four replications. The application or non-application of endosulphan + tebuconazole was evaluated in the plots, while the weeds control methods were assessed in the subplots (weeded control; non-weeded control; single application of glyphosate (1,080 g ha-1) and fomesafen + fluazifop-ρ-butil (180 + 225 g ha-1), both at 15 DAE; and sequential application of glyphosate (1,080 g ha-1) at 15, 30, and 45 DAE). After harvesting, the soybean seeds were sampled, in order to evaluate their germination, vigor, and yield. Copper and manganese contents were only influenced by the sequential application of glyphosate, associated with endosulphan + tebuconazole. The cold test germination was reduced in seeds of plants treated with fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butil associated with endosulphan + tebuconazole. Among the treatments without endosulphan + tebuconazole, the sequential application of glyphosate promoted the highest 100-seeds weight, as well as, when associated with endosulphan + tebuconazole, reduced the leaf concentrations of Cu and Mn, however, it improved seeds germination and showed no effects on seeds vigor, when compared with the weeded soybean.

A qualidade de sementes de mamona tem sido avaliada rotineiramente pelo teste de germinação, cujos resultados, muitas vezes, não são confirmados em campo. Nesse contexto, os testes de vigor são essenciais, pois retratam o comportamento das sementes sob maior amplitude de ambiente. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência de métodos para determinar o potencial fisiológico de sementes de mamona. Para tanto, foram utilizados sete lotes de sementes de mamona, cultivar AL-Guarany, apresentando teor de água de aproximadamente 7% , que foram submetidos aos seguintes testes: germinação, primeira contagem de germinação, frio (a 10ºC/7 dias e a 25ºC/5 dias), porcentagem e velocidade de emergência de plântulas, envelhecimento acelerado a 41ºC e 45ºC e 100% UR, por 48, 72 e 96 horas e condutividade elétrica (25 sementes embebidas em 75 e 100mL de água destilada, a 25ºC, por 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, 48 e 72 horas). Os testes de frio e de envelhecimento acelerado (41ºC/72 horas e 100% UR) foram eficientes para avaliação do potencial fisiológico de sementes de mamona, permitindo classificação de lotes quanto ao vigor semelhante à emergência de plântulas em solo. O teste de condutividade elétrica não se mostrou adequado para avaliação do potencial fisiológico das sementes de mamona.

This work had the objective to determine the efficiency of different tests for the evaluation of physiological potential of castor bean seeds. Seven seed lots of AL-Guarany cultivar were submitted to the following tests: seed moisture content, standard germination, first count, cold test (10ºC/7 days followed by germination at 25ºC/5 days), seedling emergence, speed emergence index, accelerated aging (at 41ºC and 45ºC and 100% RH, for 48, 72, and 96h) and electrical conductivity (25 seeds soaked into 75 and 100mL of distilled water, at 25ºC, for 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, 48, and 72 h). The trial was conducted in randomized completely design, with four replications. The means of treatments were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. Results showed that cold test and accelerated aging (41ºC/72 hours) were efficient to evaluate the physiological potential of castor bean seeds, allowing the classification of lots regarding vigor to be similar to the seedling emergence test. Electrical conductivity test was not adequate for the evaluation of physiological potential of these seeds.

As sementes de mamona têm germinação lenta e irregular, resultando, muitas vezes, em estande desuniforme no campo, o que pode ser atribuído à provável dificuldade de absorção de água pelas sementes. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de tratamentos pré-germinativos no desempenho de sementes de mamona. Foram utilizados cinco lotes de sementes de mamona, cultivar AL-Guarany, que foram submetidos aos seguintes tratamentos: testemunha (sementes intactas), escarificação com lixa, remoção da carúncula, remoção do tegumento, imersão em água por 12 e 24 horas, remoção da carúncula + imersão em água por 12 e 24 horas, escarificação com lixa + imersão em água por 12 e 24 horas, germinação a 10ºC/7 dias e a 25ºC/5 dias, germinação a 10ºC/7 dias e a 30ºC/5 dias e envelhecimento acelerado a 41ºC/48h e 100% UR. Após cada tratamento, com exceção dos tratamentos de germinação a 10ºC, as sementes foram submetidas ao teste de germinação, a 25ºC, avaliando-se a porcentagem de plântulas normais aos sete e 14 dias após a semeadura. Em geral, todos os tratamentos pré-germinativos contribuíram para aumentar a porcentagem de germinação das sementes de mamona em relação à testemunha. Os tratamentos mais eficientes para acelerar a germinação das sementes foram a escarificação com lixa e a remoção da carúncula ou de todo o tegumento. No entanto, considerando a praticidade de aplicação, a escarificação com lixa pode ser recomendada para acelerar e aumentar a germinação das sementes de mamona.

Castor bean seeds have slow and irregular germination that frequently results in irregular seedling emergence in the field. This fact has been attributed to their probable impermeability to water. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-germination treatments on seed performance. Five seed lots, AL-Guarany cultivar, were submitted to the following treatments: control (untreated seeds), scarification with sandpaper, caruncle removal, tegument removal, immersion in water for 12 and 24h, caruncle removal + immersion in water for 12 and 24h, scarification with sandpaper + immersion in water for 12 and 24h, germination at 10ºC/7 days and at 25ºC/5 days, germination at 10ºC/7 days and at 30ºC/5 days, accelerated aging at 41ºC/48h and 100% RH. After each treatment, with exception of the germination at 10ºC, the seeds were submitted to the germination test, at 25ºC. Counts were performed at 7 and 14 days after sowing. In general, all the pre-germination treatments contributed to increasing the germination percentage of castor bean seeds in relation to the control. The most efficient treatments to speed up germination were scarification with sandpaper and caruncle or tegument removal. However, considering the practical application, scarification can be recommended to increase the percentage and speed of seed germination.

O cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) é uma solanácea arbustiva nativa da Amazônia, que apresenta potencialidades para a agroindústria devido à alta produção de frutos saudáveis, com elevada concentração de ácido cítrico. Objetivou-se neste estudo analisar o comportamento germinativo das sementes de cubiu sob regime de temperaturas e substratos diferentes. O trabalho foi realizado no Laboratório de Tecnologia e Análises de Sementes do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (CCA-UFES), Alegre-ES. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, num esquema fatorial 6x6 (seis substratos e seis temperaturas) com quatro repetições. A comparação de médias foi feita pelo teste de Tukey, a 5% de probabilidade. Os substratos utilizados foram: sobre vermiculita (V); entre areia (EA); sobre papel (SP); sobre areia (SA); sobre mistura terra + areia + esterco (TAE) e rolo de papel germitest (RP) e as temperaturas foram constantes de 20, 25 e 30ºC e alternadas de 20-25; 25-30 e 20-30ºC. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram maior porcentagem de germinação das sementes de cubiu semeadas nos substratos sobre areia e entre areia, sendo a temperatura de 20-30ºC, aquela que mais favoreceu a germinação e a velocidade de germinação das sementes.

The cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) is a native arbustiva solanacea of the Amazon whose fruits present a high concentration citric acid. This study was carried to verify the effect of substrate and temperature on the germination capacity of cubiu seeds. This study was developed in the Seed Analysis Laboratories at the Agrarian Science Center at the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (CCA-UFES), Alegre-ES, Brazil. A cinpletely randomized design was used with four repetitions of 50 seeds, in a 6x6 factorial outline, with six substrates (on vermiculite (V); between sand (EA); on paper (SP); on sand (SA); on mixture soil+sand+esterco (TAE) and paper roll (RP) and six temperatures (constant of 20, 25 and 30ºC and alternated of 20-25; 25-30 and 20-30ºC). The following characteristics were assessed: germination (%); emergency speed index(IVE); hard and deteriorated seeds (%); normal and abnormal seedlings (%); seedlings height (mm) and canopy and root dry matter (mg). The results showed that the substrate on sand and between sand under 20-30ºC were the best conditions for cubiu seed germination.

O trabalho teve como objetivo, avaliar a influência da luz, da temperatura do substrato e do pré-tratamento mais eficiente para a germinação de sementes de Muntingia calabura L. As sementes foram semeadas em diferentes substratos: sobre papel, entre papel, sobre areia, entre areia, sobre mistura de terra + areia + esterco, entre mistura terra + areia + esterco, sobre mistura terra + areia + vermiculita e sobre vermiculita, incubadas nas temperaturas constantes de 20, 25 e 30ºC e alternada de 20-30ºC. Como tratamentos pré-germinativos foram estudados o efeito da cal virgem (CaO) e do nitrato de potássio (KNO3) na germinação das sementes com mucilagem. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições de 25 sementes e as análises estatísticas foram efetuadas em esquema fatorial. A protrusão da raiz primária e a emissão do primeiro par de folhas foram adotados como critério para considerar a semente germinada. A germinação foi avaliada diariamente, determinando-se a porcentagem e a velocidade de germinação. Foi verificada interação significativa entre os fatores substrato e temperatura. Os melhores substratos foram sobre areia e entre papel, na temperatura alternada de 20-30ºC, com 99 e 100% de germinação, respectivamente. Os pré-tratamentos CaO e KNO3 melhoram a capacidade germinativa das sementes com mucilagem.

This work aimed to determine the best temperature, substrate and pre-treatment to subject to germinate Muntingia calabura L seed. The seeds were sowed in different substrates: on paper, among paper, on sand, among sand, on mixture soil + send + manure, among mixture soil + send + manure, on mixture soil + send + vermiculite and on vermiculite, incubated under constant temperature of 20, 25, 30ºC and alternate of 20-30ºC. The pre-treatment effect studied were the CaO and KNO3 on the mucilaginous seed germination. Experiments were undertaken following the completely randomized design with four replication of 25 seeds and the statistical analysis was performed by the factorial scheme. Primary root protrusion and even primary leaf emission was adopted as criteria to consider a germinated seed. Daily the germination was evaluated by determining percentages and germination velocity. It was found significative interaction between substrate and temperature. The best substrates were on sand and among sand under alternate temperature of 20-30ºC, with 99 and 100% of germination, respectively. The pre-treatments CaO and KNO3, had better germination of mucilaginous seeds.