Bioprotectors and chemical fungicides in the treatment of soybean seeds

Several pathogens can damage the soybean seed quality. Seeds treatment offers additional assurance to the establishment of farming at reduced costs, used mainly with the purpose of improving germination ill infected Needs, controlling pathogens transmitted by seeds and protecting seeds front soil borne fungi. Significant increase of soybean seed treatment with fungicides demands research on alternative solutions, like bioprotectors, used with the intention of reducing the use of chemical pesticides, risks to operators and possible damages to Bradyrhizobium inoculation. The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of seed treatment with bioprotectors agents and chemical fungicides in soybean emergency and seeds sanity. Biological agents Biotrich (Trichoderma), HFF Turfa Fertil and (Bacillus pumilus) and chemical fungicides carbendazin + thiram carboxin + thiram and difenoconazole + metalaxyl were tested. Evaluation of products performance was carried out in laboratory, where the seed sanity was evaluated through blotter test, green house, where the plants emergency was evaluated, and in the field, plants emergency and plants height were evaluated. Better results were obtained with chemical fungicides especially benzimidazoles group associated to contact fungicide (thiram). These products promoted an adequate plant stand, even with sowing coinciding with drought periods. According to results obtained in this work biological protectors do not offer protection to seeds in the soil reducing plant emergency.