This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chemical desiccation on quality of stored bean seeds at pre-harvest. Desiccation was achieved by applying four rates (0,10, 30 and 60 g ha¹) of carfentrazone-ethyl, 30 days after flowering at the end of R8 stage, when the seeds had reached physiological maturity. After harvest, the seeds were stored (12 ºC and 70% of relative humidity) during 80 days. The seeds were then classified "larger" (retained in 16/64" x 19.05mm sieves) and "small" (passed through 16/64" x 19.05 sieves). Seed sanity was evaluated by applying the "blotter test", as well as the germination test and emergence velocity index. Index of abnormal seedlings above 90% was obtained in seeds from plants desiccated in 60 g ha-1 of carfentrazone-ethyl. The larger seeds were more sensitive to the product and no treatment effect on seed sanity was verified. Considering that prior to storage time, seed germination and seedling emergence were not affected by carfentrazone-ethyl, it was concluded that such product has a negative effect on the quality of the seeds after 80-day storage.
carfentrazone-ethyl; emergence index; germination test; blotter test; Phaseolus vulgaris
