Initial Growth of Soybean Plants from Seeds of High and Low Vigor Subjected to Water Stress

Abstract

This study intends to evaluate responses on the growth of soybeans plants from seeds with high and low vigor in different drought periods. Experimental design was completely randomized in factorial AXB (Factor A: variables 0, 2, 3, 4 and 5 water stress; Factor B: level of seed vigor, high and low). Evaluations of fresh matter, plant height, leaf area and dry weight of shoots, 10, 20, 30 and 40 days after emergence (DAE). Soybean plants originated from seeds with high physiological quality perform better than the plants originated from seeds of low vigor, until 40 DAE. Water stress reduces the initial growth of soybean plants originated from seeds of both high and low force, until 40 DAE. Soybean seeds of high vigor generate plants with higher growth rate of the culture until 30 DAE, besides generating plants with greater capacity for growth after returning water stress.