Physiological Quality of Caupi-Beans Seeds Treated With Diatomaceous Soil and Infested By Weevils

Abstract

The physical and physiological quality of caupi-bean seeds infested by weevils and treated or not with diatomaceous soil is determined. The experiment was performed in the entomological and seed laboratories of Embrapa Roraima between August and September 2010. Seeds of caupi-beans, cultivar BRS Guariba, were selected by hand, and treated with or without diatomaceous soil and infested by 0, 20, 40, 60 adult insects of the species Callosobruchus maculatus during seven days. After 34 days, the insects in the samples were counted and the weight per one thousand seeds, humidity degree, germination test, first counting of germination and electrical conductivity were determined. Classification of the normal seedlings in strong and weak was relevant to obtain higher differences among the treatments. Results show that diatomaceous soil preserves the physiological quality of the caupibean seeds regardless of the weevil populations. Weevils decrease the physiological quality of the caupi-bean seeds and the highest reduction occurs in a population of 60 adult insects.