The study of vigour effect on the initial stages of soybean seeds development is important, once it includes the period of crop establishment. Seeds with low vigour may result in reduction of emergence rate and dry matter production, which may affect the crop establishment. The aims of this study were to quantify chemical components and to evaluate the capacity of seed reserve mobilization in germination of soybean seeds with high and low vigour. Three cultivars, BRS 243RR, BRS 246RR and CD 219RR were studied. The characterization of seed vigour was performed by the accelerated aging test. To determine seed chemical composition, soluble sugar, starch and soluble protein were quantified; in addition alpha amylase isoenzyme activity was also evaluated. The capacity of seed reserve mobilization during germination was evaluated by seedling dry matter and length. According to the results of this study, high vigour soybean seeds exhibit higher content of soluble proteins, starch and soluble sugars. Besides, they showed higher capacity of seed reserve mobilization during germination, resulting in a better performance for seedlings development.
Glycine max; proteins; sugars; dry matter
