Armazenamento de sementes de soja tratadas com cobalto e molibdênio

Abstract

Brazil has established itself as the world’s largest soybean producer, driven by the broad versatility of this crop. However, to ensure high productivity levels, the use of high-quality seeds is essential, as they are fundamental for the proper initial establishment of plants. In this context, micronutrients such as cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) are indispensable for soybean seeds, as they play key roles in biochemical processes and reactions that enhance biological nitrogen fixation and promote faster and more synchronized germination. However, treated seeds often undergo storage periods between processing and commercialization, which may impact their physiological quality. This study aimed to evaluate the viability and physiological potential of soybean seeds treated with Co and Mo and stored for different periods before sowing. For this purpose, seeds from the 2024 harvest of the Zeus cultivar were used, divided into one batch treated with 2 mL kg−1 of the product Fertiactyl®, composed of the micronutrients Co and Mo, and a control batch (untreated). The seeds were subjected to storage periods of 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, through tests of first count (PC), germination (GE), germination speed index (IVG), germination speed (VG), shoot length (CPA), root length (CR), and total length (CT). The variables were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications, in a two-factor factorial scheme (2 x 5). The F-test was used to identify significant differences between treatments, considering the analyzed variables. When a significant effect was identified by the F-test (p < 0.05), treatments were compared using Tukey’s test at a 5% probability level. For variables that showed a significant relationship with storage time, regression analysis was performed using the Genes software. The results of this study showed that treatment with cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) improves the performance of important variables, such as IVG, VG, and PC, especially in the initial development of soybean seeds. Additionally, it was found that treatment with Co and Mo does not compromise the physiological quality of seeds over the 28-day storage period evaluated, reinforcing the recommendation for using these micronutrients at a dose of 2 mL kg−1 of seed. Therefore, this study contributed to understanding the viability and physiological potential of soybean seeds treated with Co and Mo, providing practical support for seed management and storage, especially in agricultural systems that prioritize plant uniformity and rapid development.