Canola crop is indicated to integrate crop rotation systems, as well as for agricultural diversification and vegetal ground cover during winter in southern Brazil. However, mechanical harvest is critical to crop production, since pods present a non-uniform ripening, leading to great yield losses, due to natural dehiscence. Desiccants are usually applied to provide a more uniform harvest, maintaining the quality of the product. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of desiccant application on productivity and physiological/sanitary quality of canola (cv. Hyola 401) seeds. The desiccants evaluated were ammonium glufosinate (0.5 kg ha-1), carfentrazone-ethyl (0.03 g ha-1), paraquat (0.4 kg ha-1), diquat (0.3 kg ha-1), and a non-sprayed check. Seed quality was evaluated by germination test, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity, emergence in sand seedbank, speed of emergence-index and seed health. Desiccant application provided a seven-day antecipation of canola seed harvest. Seed yield was not affected by desiccation. Application of ammonium glufosinate and carfentrazone-ethyl decreased (P<0.05) the seed protein contents. Chemical desiccation did not have any negative effect on the physiological quality of the seeds.
carfentrazone; desiccation; herbicides; seed health
