02340naa a2200181 a 450000100080000000500110000800800410001910000240006024500970008426000090018130000110019052017900020165000100199165000130200165000120201465000090202677301230203519606092014-09-17       2013    bl uuuu     u00u1 u    #d1 aKRZYZANOWSKI, F. C.  aThe role of quality evaluation in seed production as exemplified by soybean seed production.  c2013  ap. 12.  aTo reach the standards of seed certification systems several quality parameters should be followed: genetic and physical purities, physiological quality and seed health. Genetic purity is the basis to reach high cultivar quality in seed production. The fundamental steps to produce soybean breeder seed are the selection of typical plants of the required cultivar, threshing each plant individually, multiplication of plant per line and line per block, and genetic analysis of each generation based on seed morphological genetic descriptors. Nowadays, application of molecular markers, originating from seed biotechnology, can be used alongside the above procedures to ensure genetic purity throughout seed production under the certification system. The use of measurements of physiological quality (germination and vigour) at several stages in seed production will be illustrated by reference to soybean seed production in Brazil. Categories of tetrazolium staining (TZ) have been developed to indicate seed vigour as well as germination. Experience in the use of TZ to monitor and maintain quality during harvesting, drying, processing, storage and delivery will be described. Seed health is assured through seed pathology tests, such as the blotter test, which, along with the results of the tetrazolium test offers a complete diagnosis of soybean seed quality, supporting the correct decision for seed treatment. High vigour, healthy and genetically pure soybean seeds produce seedlings and plants of high agronomic performance which can result in productivity increases. The considerations above lead us to understand how seed science and seed technology are closely linked and underline the importance of the scientific work within ISTA for quality evaluation in seed production.  aSeeds  aSoybeans  aSemente  aSoja  tIn: ISTA CONGRESS; ISTA SEED SYMPOSIUM, 30., 2013, Antalya. Bassersdorf: International Seed Testing Association, 2013.