Discrimination of soybean seed lots by multivariate exploratory techniques

Physiological potential characterization of seed lots is usually performed by germination and vigor tests; however, the choice of a single test does not reflect such potential, once each test assesses seeds of differentiated mode. Multivariate techniques allow understanding structural dependence contained in each variable, as well as characterize groups of seed lots according to specific standards. The study aimed at evaluating variability among soybean seed lots and discriminate these lots by multivariate exploratory techniques as function of seed vigor. Experiment was performed with 20 soybean seed lots (10 lots cv. BRS Valiosa RR and 10 lots cv. M-SOY 7908 RR). Seed physiological potential was assessed by testing for: germination (standard, and under different water availability); vigor (accelerated aging and electrical conductivity); and field seedling emergence. Cluster analysis of seed lots, as well as Principal Component Analysis was performed using data obtained on all tests. Multivariate techniques allowed stratifying seed lots into two distinct groups. Principal Component Analysis showed that values obtained for variables: field seedling emergence, accelerated aging, and germination under different water availability were linked to BRS Valiosa RR; while to variables germination and electrical conductivity, were linked to M-SOY 7908 RR.