Quality control charts in the processing of soybean seeds

Abstract:

Soybean is a crop of great economic relevance in the world, with seed production being one of the most important sectors of its agro-industrial complex. Processing is one of the final stages of the seeds production process, it aims to remove impurities, select seeds by shape, size and density and pack properly. Monitoring and quality control at different stages of the process ensures that seeds meet storage and market standards. The aim of this study was to evaluate the different stages of processing in the physical and physiological performance of three cultivars of soybean seeds using statistical process control tools. The work was carried out at the seed processing unit with the cultivars M8644 IPRO, M8349 IPRO and M8808 IPRO, with sampling at eight points throughout the process. Water content, physical purity, germination, first count, accelerated aging, tetrazolium (vigor and viability), mechanical damage and electrical conductivity were evaluated. During the process, mean and amplitude control charts were used for each test. The use of control charts made it possible to monitor the process of soybean seed processing, pointing out the methodology as a tool to determine existing problems, to promote continuous improvement in the performance of seed processing.

Index terms:
Glycine max (L.) Merrill; statistical process control; mechanical damage; physiological performance