Chemical and anatomical characterization of soybean seed coats with the presence of cracks

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The quality of soybean seeds is essential for the success of the crop, with the seed coat being a vital element in protecting the embryo. The objective of this study was to understand the chemical causes and dynamics of the formation of cracks in soybean seed coat. The seed coats of five lots, with and without cracks, were used, and chemical analyses were conducted to evaluate the contents of silicon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Anatomical analysis was also performed; for this, the seed coats were cut and observed under a microscope to identify the cell layers and the presence of cracks. The results showed that seeds with cracks had higher phosphorus and magnesium contents and lower calcium content. Seed coat thickness ranged from 47 to 230 micrometers, and the cracks occurred preferentially in the thicker regions. The crack initiates between the palisade cells and can extend, creating air pockets that accumulate water and chemicals. Thus, cracks in soybean seed coat are related to the contents of phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium, and variations in seed coat thickness contribute to their occurrence. Cracks affect permeability and can reduce the quality of the seeds.

Keywords

• calcium
• cell wall
• microscopy
• nutritional composition
• physiological rupture