Eficiência de reação do gás ozônio e reflexo da aplicação na qualidade fisiológica e sanitária de sementes de pimentão e pimenta

Abstract

Peppers and bell peppers belong to the Capsicum sp. genus and represent a significant portion of vegetable consumption and production in Brazil and worldwide. Their production poses a challenge in the Brazilian agricultural context due to the complexities involved in managing these crops. Ozone, being an efficient oxidizing agent, can be used in controlling pathogens, especially fungi, but its real effect when applied to seeds is not yet fully understood. The aim of this study is to evaluate the sanitary and physiological quality of Capsicum sp. seeds after exposure to ozone gas. Four cultivars were used under ozone application at different exposure times: 0 (zero), 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 minutes, converted to the actual applied dose. Physiological quality was assessed through germination tests, first count, seedling length, germination speed index, emergence in sand, dry and fresh mass, and sanitary quality through the 'Blotter test'. The ozone reaction efficiency when applied to seeds was evaluated. It was identified that ozone treatment of bell pepper and chili seeds may affect physiological quality, particularly germination speed and first count. The average applied dose of 530 mgO³ was effective in controlling various fungi.