Effects of Coating Speed and Storage Period on Seed Quality of Soybean Seed

Abstract

     This study was conducted to investigate the effects of seed coating speed and storage period on germination and vigor of soybean seed. It was studied in order to evaluate its shelf life at laboratory of seed technology, Faculty of Engineering and Agro-Indutry, Maejo University. The 4×4 factorial arrangements in the completely randomized design (CRD) consisted of two factors. Factor A was coating speed: noncoated seed, seed coating at speed 76 rpm, seed coating at speed 117 rpm and seed coating at speed 151 rpm. Factor B was storage period: 0, 2, 4 and 6 months in storage room with control conditions (15 °C, 50% RH). The results showed that after coated soybean seeds with a rotary coater at different coating speeds were had average of both seed germination in laboratory and greenhouse conditions about 89%. In comparison between seed coating speed, it showed that coating speed 151 rpm affected on germination in laboratory condition, germination index, seed vigor and viability of seeds were significantly difference from other treatments including no coated seed (p≤0.05). The storability of seed showed that coated soybean seed and no coated seed decreased seed germination and seed vigor in both laboratory and greenhouse conditions after stored for 6 months. The seed germination in laboratory and greenhouse conditions and germination index differed significantly among sample due to the interaction between seed coating speed and storage period. It showed that the coated seed at 151 rpm decreased seed quality compared with no coated seeds after the 4-6 months storage.