Hydration patterns and physiologic quality of common bean seeds

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the hydration pattern of landrace bean genotypes and their physiological quality. The hydration curve of eight landrace (BAFs 07, 13, 23, 42, 44, 50, 55, 81) and two commercial cultivars (IPR-88-Uirapuru and Iapar 81) genotypes was determined from seed moisture. Determination of initial physiological quality was performed by germination and vigor tests (seedling performance and accelerated aging). Characterization of the genotypes, regarding accelerated aging tests, showed that BAFs 13, 42, 55 and 81 had the highest physiological potential, whereas BAFs 07, 23, 44, 50 and the commercial cultivars had lower physiological quality. The hydration curve followed a triphasic pattern with radicle protrusion occurring between 21 and 27 hours after seed hydration. The percentage of reserves translocated to the seedling during formation showed that BAF 42 had the highest conversion efficiency compared to the smaller efficiencies of BAFs 23, 50 and Iapar 81. The seedling length test showed that BAFs 42 and 55 had the most vigorous seedlings, which was driven by the high percentage of reserves translocated to the seedling during formation. BAFs 23, 50 and the cultivar Iapar 81 showed lower reserve translocation, demonstrating that low mobilization potential leads to smaller seedlings. The hydration of bean seeds during germination was affected by physiological quality, as genotypes considered more vigorous exhibited higher hydration rates than those of the less vigorous genotypes.