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The production of soybean seeds is increasingly becoming a growing and demanding market. And quality is a crucial factor to be considered, which will depend on the crop and physiological maturity of the seed. The objective of this study was to determine the best phenological stage at the end of the soybean crop cycle to perform the desiccation so as to improve the physiological quality of seeds without affecting grain yields. The experiment was conducted under field conditions in the 2016/2017 harvest. Two drying agents - diquat and glufosinate (ammonium salt) - were applied at the R6 and R6.5 and R7.2 growth stages, in addition to R9. An experimental design was used with completely randomized blocks, subdivided in plots (4 x 2). The phenological stages (R6 and R6.5, R7.2 and R9 - control) were assigned to the main plot and the drying agents to the subplots. Germination, vigor, weight of 1000 grains, grain yield and harvest anticipation were evaluated. The use of the drying agents in conjunction with the phenological stages of implementation allowed for the anticipation of harvest by 4 to 13 days, reduced yield and weight of 1000 grains, when applied in R6 and R6.5. Both drying agents had a negative influence on both the germination and vigor of seeds, with glufosinate being the drying agent with the worst germination and vigor indicators. Its use for desiccation is therefore not recommended so as not to affect the physiological quality of soybean seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]