UV-B and UV-C radiation on the germination of soybean seeds

Abstract

UV radiation use is currently receiving attention due to concerns about its potential positive or negative effects on the physiological responses of plants, so the goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of natural and artificial ultraviolet radiation (UV-B and UV-C) on soybean seed germination. Initially, the seeds were exposed to UV radiation for different periods of time (0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours), with a radiation intensity of 2.5 W m^-2. They were sown on germitest paper and stored in a Biochemical Oxygen Demand chamber set at 25 °C and a 12-hour photoperiod. Tests were conducted for germination (at 8 days), first count (at 5 days), length, and dry mass of seedlings. The results indicated that exposure to UV-B and UV-C (from 1 hour - 9000 J m^-2) light reduced the germination percentage, the seedling length, and the dry mass of the soybean seedlings. The decrease in root length was observed after 2 (UV-C) and 4 hours (UV-B) of light exposure. It was concluded that, under the conditions of this study, exposing soybean seeds to UV-B and UV-C radiation influenced the percentage of germination and initial seedling growth.