ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different seed coatings consisting of various combinations of three nutrients (calcium, magnesium and silicon) on two soybean cultivars (BRS 243 RR and CD 233 RR). Dolomitic limestone and aluminum silicate were chosen as the nutrient sources. Leaf area, plant height, shoots dry matter, crop growth rate, relative growth rate and net assimilation rate were the studied variables, evincing that the seed coating that comprised calcium, magnesium and silicon led to better performance in terms of growth rates 30 days after emergence. Significant differences in the response to the seed coatings were also observed between the two studied soybean genotypes.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la metodología del test de envejecimiento acelerado para evaluar el potencial fisiológico de las semillas de cebolla, también verificar la posibilidad de usar soluciones de cloruro de sodio (NaCl) saturadas e insaturadas como una opción para controlar la absorción de agua de las semillas durante el test sin reducir su sensibilidad. En cinco lotes de semillas de cebolla sometidos a tratamientos de envejecimiento acelerado (periodos de 24, 48, 72 o 96 horas, con o sin el uso de soluciones saturadas de NaCl) se evaluó la germinación, emergencia de plántulas y la velocidad de emergencia. El uso de soluciones saturadas e insaturadas de NaCl redujo la absorción de agua por las semillas de cebolla durante el test de envejecimiento acelerado, dando como resultado una tasa de deterioro menos pronunciada y resultados menos drásticos y más uniformes. El tratamiento de 48 horas con soluciones insaturadas y saturadas de NaCl es una opción para usar, ya que promueve una mejor clasificación de los lotes de semillas de cebolla en diferentes niveles de vigor.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the methodology of the accelerated aging test to evaluate the physiological potential of onion seeds, as well as verify the possibility of using unsaturated and saturated solutions of sodium chloride (NaCl) as an option for water uptake control in seeds during the test without reducing sensitivity. Five lots of onion seeds were tested for germination, seedling emergence, emergence speed and accelerated aging (periods of 24, 48, 72, or 96 hours, with or without the use of a saturated saline solution of NaCl). The use of unsaturated and saturated solutions of NaCl reduced water absorption by onion seeds during the accelerated aging test, resulting in a less pronounced rate of deterioration, and less drastic and more uniform results. The 48 hour treatment with unsaturated and saturated NaCl solutions is an option for use because it promotes a better classification of the onion seed lots at different vigor levels.