Physiological quality of bean seeds after application of desiccant herbicides

The application of desiccant herbicides in the bean crop is fundamental in the production of quality seeds, since it anticipates the harvesting season, which makes it possible to obtain seeds in the period of physiological maturation, when they are reported with maximum accumulation of dry matter, high vigor levels and germination percentage. However there is little information about the ideal application time of these products to obtain beans of high physiological quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of bean seeds after application of desiccant herbicides at different times in preharvest. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design in a 2x3+1 factorial scheme, with four replications. Desiccant herbicides paraquat (400g ha(-1) and paraquat + diuron (200 + 400g ha(-1)) were applied in three phenological stages (R8, R8/R9 and R9), plus one control (without herbicide application). Yield (Kg ha(-1)), mass of one thousand seeds (g). germination (%) and seed vigor were evaluated through tests of accelerated aging, electrical conductivity and primary root length. Application of paraquat molecule at the R8 stage and the paraquat + diuron mixture at the R8/R9 stage reduced the viability and vigor of the bean seeds, and compromised yield. Applications of the paraquat herbicide at the R8/R9 and R9 stages or of the mixture (paraquat + diuron) at the R9 stage preserved the physiological quality of the seeds without: however, affecting yield.