QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp SEEDS PRODUCED UNDER A SUSTAINABLE IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Abstract

To meet the challenges of climate change and water scarcity, more efficient and affordable irrigation systems are being developed, such as the use of clay pots and their application in agroforestry systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of Guandu bean (Cajanus cajan) seeds from agroforestry systems with and without irrigation. The work was carried out at the Experimental Farm of the Federal University of Western Pará, in Santarém, State of Pará, Brazil, evaluating variables related to the germination test, such as germination percentage, average germination time, germination speed index, germination speed coefficient and moisture percentage. The results showed that sub-surface irrigation with clay pots had a positive effect on seed vigour and germination. On the other hand, storage time had a negative effect on seed viability. In conclusion, although the biometric characteristics and the mass of a thousand seeds did not show any significant variation according to the treatments applied, important differences were observed in the vigour and germination capacity of the seeds, influenced by the method of irrigation during cultivation and the storage time. The finding that subsurface irrigation by capillarity through clay pots influences germination potential and that storage time has a negative effect on seed viability underlines the need for optimised agricultural practices and conservation strategies that prolong the useful life of seeds, thus ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of production.