Physical and physiological quality of soybean seeds processed in a static spiral separator

Abstract

Seed processing is a crucial stage in obtaining high-quality seed lots. The use of spiral separator is a common method for classification of soybean seeds by shape. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of processing soybean seeds in a static spiral separator on their physical and physiological quality, considering prior seed size classification. A randomized block experimental design was used, in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement consisted of two soybean cultivars (60I62 IPRO and 62R63) and four seed size classifications (unclassified, and classified in 5-, 6-, and 7-mm mesh sieves), with three replicates. The samples were cleaned, separated, and individually processed in a static spiral separator with capacity of up to 1,200 kg h-¹. The results indicated that the 60I62 IPRO cultivar had higher percentage of discarded seeds, but better physiological potential than those of the 62R63 cultivar, denoting lower efficacy of the separator for this cultivar. Classified seeds, especially those in the 7-mm mesh sieve, had higher percentage and quality of qualified seeds. Discarded seeds from the 6-and 7-mm mesh sieves showed better physiological quality. The seed shapes of the evaluated soybean cultivars showed varied responses to processing in the static spiral separator.