ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of using the herbicide saflufenacil desiccant pre-harvest and storage on the physiological and sanitary quality of azuki bean seeds. Six doses of saflufenacil herbicide (0, 50, 75, 100, 150 and 200 g a.i. ha-1) were tested and two evaluation periods of seed quality: harvest and six months after harvest. The desiccant application occurred at physiological maturity of azuki bean and seeds were stored in paper bags (kraft) under natural conditions - 25.4 ± 3 °C temperature and 67.3 ± 3% relative humidity. The saflufenacil may be used up to a dose of 65 g a.i. ha-1, without harming the physiological seed quality. The storage caused a drop in the percentage of germination, increase in the number of abnormal seedlings and reduction in size and dry mass of seedlings. Desiccation pre-harvest and storage reduces the infestation of Cladosporium, Fusarium and Rizhopus on the azuki bean seed.
Key words:
Vigna angularis Willd.; vigor; herbicides; pathogens; natural environment
