Automated analysis of seed vigor stands out by allowing greater accuracy, standardization, objectivity, and speed in evaluation of the physiological potential of seed lots. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the Vigor-S® system in assessing the physiological quality of common bean seeds compared to the information provided by the traditional vigor tests recommended for this species. Four genotypes of common bean were used, each one represented by four seed lots. Characterization of the physiological potential of the lots was carried out by the following tests: germination, first count of germination, seedling emergence, accelerated aging, and electrical conductivity. The results of these tests were compared with the data obtained from the image analysis technique, specifically the Vigor-S® system, which was used to evaluate seedling growth at two, three, and four days after the beginning of the germination test. Shoot length, primary root length, and seedling length were measured, as well as the growth index, uniformity index, and vigor index were calculated. Computerized analysis of seedling images using the Vigor-S® software is a reliable alternative for evaluation the physiological potential of bean seeds, and it produces information similar to evaluations traditionally used for that purpose.

Vigor tests are important mainly to identify differences associated to lots performance in field conditions. The objective of this study was to define the most appropriate tests to evaluate the crambe (Crambe abyssinica) seeds vigor. Seven seed lots of crambe were subjected to the standard germination (on the first and last count), germination speed index (GSI), primary root protrusion speed index (PRPSI), seedling length dry and weight seedling, water stress test using PEG 6000 at -0.2 MPa, electrical conductivity and cold test without soil. Crambe lots studied had germination percentages varying from 54 to 80.5%. The GSI, on the first count of water stress and electrical conductivity test ranked lots between two vigor classes The PRPSI, seedling length, seedling dry weight and last count of water stress tests were less sensitive to evaluate vigor for crambe seed. The cold test without soil and the first count of standard germination test were capable to dishtinguish lots more efficiently than the standard germination test on last count by ranking four of the seven seed lots studied.

Soybean seeds are susceptible to field deterioration after reaching physiological maturity, which usually occurs at the R7 stage, with harvest at R8. This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical and physiological changes in seeds of different soybean cultivars submitted to delayed harvest in the field. Seeds of the cultivars NS 5959, BMX Potência, and TMG 1175 were harvested at four times (0, 10, 20, and 30 days after reaching R8). Moisture, germination, first count, accelerated aging, emergence, and tetrazolium tests were performed in each harvest period. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were also evaluated. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design in a 3×4 factorial scheme (three cultivars and four harvest times). A reduction in germination and vigor of seeds of different soybean cultivars was found at R8 + 20 and R8 + 30 days related to field deterioration due to delayed harvest. The seeds of the cultivars did not differ in terms of viability under delayed harvest but differed in terms of antioxidant and physiological responses. Better and worse seed performances were found for the cultivars BMX Potência and TMG 1175, respectively, at R8 and in R8 + 10 days.

Tembotrione is registered in Brazil for maize and is used in large areas of the country in each harvest. In recent years, producers have reported carryover effects of this herbicide in succeeding crops to maize. This fact can be attributed to tembotrione recommendations without knowing their interactions with tropical soils colloids. In this study, using high-performance liquid chromatography, it was possible to evaluate the influence of chemical and physical attributes on the sorption and desorption of tembotrione, as well as its metabolite AE 1417268, on seven soils from different regions of Brazil. The coefficients referring to sorption and desorption, as well as the hysteresis index (Kf, 1/n and H) of tembotrione and its metabolite were influenced by pH, clay content and organic matter. In soil samples with low levels of clay and organic matter, values of sorption coefficients were reduced as pH increased. The desorption of tembotrione and its metabolite in all soils were low, mainly in the clayey ones and in soils with higher organic matter content. The sorption of tembotrione and its metabolites varies with the attributes of soil, presenting a direct relation with clay and organic matter contents and an inverse one with soil pH. The desorption of tembotrione and its metabolite decreased with the increase in clay and organic matter contents in the evaluated soils.

Moringa oleifera is an allogamous plant that is propagated by seeds and cuttings, rich in vitamin A and C, phosphorus, calcium and proteins. However, its best propagation form for the large-scale production is still unknown, as well the most suitable substrate for seedling production. Production of forest species seedlings with a high quality is directly related to physical and chemical substrates properties. Using biochar as substrate for seedlings production is an economical and sustainable solution for this proposal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of three biochar types, in two concentrations, for production of Moringa oleifera seedlings. Three types of substrates were formulated using residues of dry coconut shells, sewage sludge and orange bagasse. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, installed in a completely randomized design, consisting of seven treatments (substrates formulated with biochar in two doses, 1 and 2%) and the control, with four replicates, totalizing 28 seedlings. One month after sowing, the seedlings were evaluated biweekly for 60 days in relation to stem base diameter, shoot heigh, leaves number, shoot dry matter, root dry matter, total seedling dry matter and Dickson Quality Index. The substrate formulated using sewage sludge biochar at 2% provided a greater increasing in shoot dry matter. This concentration improved seedling height and stem base diameter in 10.5 and 0.83 mm, respectively, compared to the control. In general, biochar improved physical and chemical soil quality, promoting a better M. oleifera seedlings development.