Uso de Selênio no Condicionamento de Sementes de Soja: Germinação e Crescimento de Plântulas

Abstract

The use of biostimulant substances in seed treatment has emerged as a promising strategy to improve the physiological performance of agricultural crops. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of different selenium concentrations on the germination, vigor, and initial growth of soybean (Glycine max L.) seedlings of the Lenda IPRO cultivar through seed priming with sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃). The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design consisting of eight selenium concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 120 mg L⁻¹), with four replicates of 40 seeds each. Germination, biometric, and biomass parameters were evaluated, including germination percentage, germination speed index, mean germination time, shoot and root length, fresh and dry mass, and seedling vigor indices. The results demonstrated that sodium selenite significantly influenced germination, vigor, and the initial development of soybean seedlings. Low and intermediate concentrations showed performance similar to that of the control treatment for most of the evaluated variables and, in some characteristics, promoted seedling growth, indicating their potential to maintain or improve seed physiological quality when applied at appropriate doses. In contrast, higher concentrations, particularly 80 and 120 mg L⁻¹, significantly reduced germination, vigor, and seedling growth, demonstrating the phytotoxic effect of selenium. It can be concluded that the use of sodium selenite in soybean seed priming has the potential to enhance physiological performance and the initial establishment of the crop when applied at low concentrations. However, careful dose selection is essential, as high concentrations significantly impair the initial development of soybean seedlings.