COMO A MANCHA-PÚRPURA AFETA AS CARACTERÍSTICAS FISIOLÓGICAS E MORFOLÓGICAS DE CULTIVARES DE SOJA?

Abstract

Purple seed stain, caused by the fungus Cercospora kikuchii, affects soybean seeds and is associated with changes in their appearance and potential impairment of quality. Evidence regarding different levels of seed coat infection indicates that PSS can influence physiological and morphological attributes, as well as the early development of seedlings. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of purple seed stain on soybean seeds by assessing its effects on physiological quality, early seedling development, and morphological characteristics of two cultivars. Seeds from the cultivars NEO 790 IPRO and NEO 820 IPRO were used, classified into four levels of purple seed stain intensity on the seed coat (0–25%, 25–50%, 50–75%, and 75–100%). Germination tests, field emergence, seedling root system length, electrical conductivity, and computerized morphological analyses (aspect ratio and roundness) were performed. The results showed that increasing levels of purple seed stain intensity on the seed coat significantly compromised germination, vigor, emergence, and morphological traits. Seeds with higher levels of purple seed stain exhibited alterations such as increased aspect ratio and reduced roundness. Purple seed stain negatively affected both the physiological and morphological quality of soybean seeds, impacting early seedling performance and seed processing.