Desempenho germinativo de sementes de soja revestidas com polímeros hidrofílicos
The use of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers in seeds coated has become important due to their desirable and renewable biological properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydrophilic polymers on the water absorption process and physiological attributes of soybean seeds, NK 7059 RRcultivar. The seeds were coated with cassava starch, sodium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol biopolymers at four different concentrations 0, 2, 4 and 6%. The water absorption process was evaluated at three hour intervals for 24 hours, totaling eight evaluations. For physiological quality the seeds were submitted to the tests of first germination count, germination, germination speed index, accelerated aging, greenhouse emergence, emergence speed index and electrical conductivity. The polymers used in the present study increase the percentage of seed soaking, especially sodium alginate at a concentration of 4%. The increase in the concentration of polymers negatively affects seedling emergence, and in the case of sodium alginate it reduces germination and seeds vigor.