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In these studies, the physical and physiological seed properties and seedling's vigour properties in five ZP maize hybrids (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, ZP4 and ZP5) were investigated. Hybrid seed was divided into small (SF) and large fractions (LF) The hybrid combination and seed size did not significantly (p ≥ 0.05) affect seed germination. Width, thickness, length, seed weight, dead seeds, abnormal seedling, stem and root growth and fresh seedling weight were significantly influenced by hybrid and seed fraction LF produced higher stems by 1.18 cm, longer roots by 2.94 cm and higher seedling weight by 0.032 g (the hybrid average) as compared to SF. The influence of hybrids on stem growth differed by 1.9 cm on SF seed and 1.7 cm on LF seed. Significant and positive dependence (p ≥ 0.001) between seed germination was determined with the growth of stem, root and seedling weight, as well as with the 1000 seed weight (p ≥ 0.01) and with a thickness (TS) (p ≥ 0.05). Seed germination with abnormal seedlings achieved a negative (p ≥ 0.01) significant correlation.

This paper presents an analysis of the process of cleaning three alfalfa seed lots using seed processing equipment. The effect of the initial quality of alfalfa seed on the losses and gains of processed alfalfa seed was examined. The quality of alfalfa seed during processing was also examined. During alfalfa seed processing, the losses and gains of processed alfalfa seed depend on the initial seed purity and the technology applied. The experiment was carried out at the seed processing centre of the Institute for Forage Crops in Kruševac. A total of three lots of natural alfalfa seed were processed using the fine-cleaning machine Alfa-4 (Damas, Denmark) and the magnetic machine IV (Emcek Gompper, Germany). The following seed processing parameters were observed in the present study: pure seed (%), weed and other seed crops (%), inert matter (%), seed mass (kg), seed loss (%) and processing output (%). On the basis of the results obtained, it is possible to analyse the processing of alfalfa seed and the required equipment adjustments during the process. The equipment adjustments during processing were made depending on the quantity and type of weeds and other substances found in the natural seed.

ABSTRACT Currently, the domestic agricultural sector has become increasingly professionalized; therefore, measures aimed at safety in the workplace and monitoring of environmental risks have been gaining major importance in this scenario. Thus, this study aimed at assessing internal environmental conditions of four soybean processing plants (SPPs) operating with a screen-air machine, densimetric table and with or without spiral separator. These plants are in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), being assessed on site considering every feature related to machinery and equipment, as well as technological level. Field evaluations comprised measurements of noise, illuminance and suspended dust. Results showed that none of the SPPs is in full accordance with current laws for the investigated parameters, among which noise level is what most threatens the environmental conditions. Moreover, lightening conditions are unsatisfactory since the environments are extremely dark, not reaching minimal standard. Regarding the suspended dust is possible to claim that there is an emerging risk.

Soybean production accounts for approximately 43% of Brazil’s grain produce, worth over 81 million tons for the 2012- 2013 cropping season. The use of quality seeds is essential for a high-yield agriculture, since low quality seeds compromise plant standing and increase production costs due to reseeding. This will in turn reduce yields through delays on the establishment dates. Seed quality is affected by relative humidity levels, mechanical damage during harvest and processing, thermal damage during the drying process and the environmental conditions during storage that could foster insect and fungi damage. The climate in the state of Santa Catarina favors soybean seed production, and seed companies in general work with high levels of technology. This work is aimed at characterizing the physical and sanitary quality of soybean seeds produced by different companies at different locations throughout the state of Santa Catarina (municipalities of Xanxerê, Abelardo Luz, Campos Novos and Canoinhas). The physical purity, moisture level, sanitary quality and mechanical damage of soybean seeds were studied at three stages, i.e. reception at the seed processing unit, at the end of the processing process and before being marketed. Results pointed out at mechanical injury and cultivar mixture as the main issues concerning seed lot quality, and that soybean seeds produced in Santa Catarina show pathogen contamination, which emphasizes the need for seed treatment.

Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae) is a native species of the Brazilian Savannah (“Cerrado”) region, recommended for the recovery of degraded areas and also for medicinal use. Seeds of some species of the Annonaceae require a long period to germinate and many studies have focused on determining methods which can rapidly analyze seed quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. seeds in accordance to their weight, through X-ray images and emergence test. Seeds were collected from dehiscent follicles with a blower and one portion was separated into weight categories: very light seeds, light seeds and heavy seeds. Another seed portion was separated in water by their density, into those that sank and those that floated. The seeds from each weight category were weighed and X-rayed. A further seed portion from the categories (separated by blower and in water) was also placed in 500 mg L-1 of a solution [gibberellin 4 (GA4) + gibberellin 7 (GA7) and cytocinin] to overcome dormancy and was later sown in soil taken from the “Cerrado”. The internal seed morphology andseedling emergence of X. aromatica were influenced by seed weight. The elimination of badly formed and insect- infested seeds improved the physiological potential of the seed lot. The X-ray test can efficiently evaluate seed quality but does not permit a visualization of the embryos.

This paper reviews sunflower hybrid seed processing at Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad with all practical, technical and technological solutions. Additionally, efforts of Institute's employees are presented here in creating new technical solutions, particularly machines, aimed at their adaptations in existing sunflower seed processing, in order to get better quality and quantity of the processed seed. The paper also reviews original solution of the seed processing improvement with the new machines, regarding their position in the system and their connection in the semiautomatic operation system, with the possibility of independent operation. Seed processing results in high quality sunflower hybrid seed produced and ready for the severe market competition. .

In this study we analysed the influence of meteorological conditions and applied agrotechinque on the seed production and its quality. Large differences in meteorological conditions influenced seed production in the period of 2006. and 2007. During this time, we made the competent control of seed production of maize and soybean, on the areas of PKB Corporation. The control was administered after the valid Regulations of the seed production control ('Službeni glasnik RS' # 60/06). The quality control and seed improvement have been done in the certified laboratories. The analyzed area of seed maize in 2006 was 478 ha extended, and in 2007 it was 569 ha. The average realized processed seed yield was 26.7% higher in year 2006 comparing to 2007. Soybean planted analyzed area was 309 ha large in 2006 and 173 ha in 2007. In year 2007 there has been a bit higher production of the processed seed for 3.4%. There was no significant difference in the average yield of the processed seed. .

A pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da extração e da embebição das sementes sobre a germinação de tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum Meyer, Arecaceae). Após limpeza e secagem dos pirênios, o endocarpo foi quebrado e removido para liberação das sementes que, antes da semeadura, foram submetidas à embebição em água por 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 e 15 dias. A germinação foi superior a 58%, independentemente do período de embebição, confirmando a possibilidade de retirar o endocarpo sem agravar prejuízos à viabilidade das sementes. As sementes submetidas a nove dias de embebição, com 30% de água, tiveram maior germinação (70%) e índice de velocidade de germinação, com tempo médio de germinação de 104 dias. A remoção do endocarpo e a embebição das sementes aceleram e aumentam a germinação.The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the extraction and imbibition period on the germination of tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum Meyer, Arecaceae) seeds. After cleaning and drying the pyrenes, the endocarp was broken and removed to liberate the seeds that, before sowing, were soaked in water for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days. The germination was superior to 58%, confirming the possibility of extracting the endocarp without damaging the viability of the seeds. The seeds submitted to nine days of soaking, had a moisture content of 30%, obtained better germination (70%) and index of germination velocity, with mean time of germination of 104 days. The removal of the endocarp and the soaking of seeds accelerated and increased the germination.

Manipulation of corn seed from harvest throughout processing to disinfections is associated with seed damage. Such damage causes lower germination and germination energy. Seed damage, especially in the embryo and crown, are factors that decrease germination, especially under low temperatures. Also, damaged seed is inclined to infections by soil pathogens (Aspergillus, Pythium, Penicillium), causing seed and germ rotting. In some cases, plant density is seriously reduced by infestations so that resowing is required. Seed of five corn-inbred lines differing in form and type (A: shallow and round form of the dent type MO-17, Os6-2; B: deep and uniform of the semi-flint type B-73, Os84-28 and Os87-24) were tested for their quantity and damaged spots (crown, germ, back side and belly side). Seed damage following the manipulations ranged as follows: from 3.8 to 7.2% (harvest), from 36.2 to 52.8% (husking) and from 38.4 to 54.0% (the end of processing). Also, damage of different parts of seed following their processing was as follows: from 17.8 to 29.2% (crown), from 4.1 to 6.7% (germ), from 6.3 to 9.8% (back side) and from 5.7 to 8.3% (belly side). High negative correlation (from r = -0.620 to r = -0.960) between damage of seed and seed quality (germination energy, germination) and high positive correlation between germination energy and germination were found over the investigated years and for both lines.