Plant growth regulators can enhance growth and development of plants and induce cell division. They can also interfere in seed germination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds treated with a plant growth regulator. Seeds of nine soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) commercial cultivars were treated with four concentrations (400; 500 and 600 mL 100 kg-1 seeds) of the plant growth regulator Stimulate®, in addition to a control treated with distilled water. Tests of seed germination and vigor were carried out: it was calculated the germination percentage (first counting and final counting), percentage of normal seedlings; and speed of germination, length of the primary root and the aerial part and dry weight of seedlings were recorded. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four treatments and four or five repetitions depending on the test. Increasing doses of the plant growth regulator did not influence the germination and the dry weight of the seeds, however, they can increase the speed of germination depending on the cultivar.
Glycine max; plant growth regulator; physiological quality
