Influência do potássio e da calagem na composição química, qualidade fisiológica e na atividade enzimática de sementes de soja

Abstract

The chemical composition of seeds can be influenced by genetical and environmental factors and by the availability of nutrients in the soil during production, which consequently affect their vigor. Potassium can influence the activity of several enzymes present in plants. These enzymes are necessary in a number of reactions involved in the utilization of energy, starch synthesis, nitrogen metabolism and respiration. The effects of potassium fertilization and liming on the chemical composition, physiological quality and enzymes activities of soybean seeds were evaluated. The research was developed in the Seed Analysis Laboratory of the Agriculture Department and in the Plant Production Laboratory in the Food Science Department of the Federal University of Lavras, Lavras (UFLA). In soybean seeds of cultivar Msoy 8001 produced under two levels of base saturation (48% and 85%) and four doses. ha-1 of K2O, 0, 50, 100 and 200, oil and protein contents, seed germination, aging test and the activity of some enzymes involved in the seed germination and deterioration processes were evaluated. Seed germination and vigor are not influenced by fertilization with potassium. However, base saturation increases the vigor of soybean seeds. Highert doses of potassium increase oil content and reduce protein in soybean seeds. High base saturation level increases the protein content. The activities of the enzymes piruvate kinase, esterase and alcohol dehydrogenase are altered by the doses of potassium and levels of soil base saturation.