Drying and storage of Melanoxylon brauna Schott. seeds

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the sensitivity Melanoxylon brauna Schott. tree legume seeds desiccation and storage. In drying experiment, were submitted two conditions: a forced air circulation chamber (40.18 °C ± 0.13 28.48% 3.95 RH) silica gel desiccator (27.19 1.28 26.19% 0.94 for different times (0, 12, 24, 36, 72, 144 hours). A completely randomized design in 2 (drying methods) × 5 times) factorial scheme plus control 4 replications 25 used. following variables evaluated before after drying: seed moisture content, percentage germinated seeds, germination speed index, mortality, normal abnormal seedlings. storage experiment divided into batches: pre-dried (at 5.0% humidity) without (control at 8.9% humidity). then stored plastic bags three environments: refrigerator °C, freezer –20 room temperature (29 °C). removed every four months humidity test 24 months. Data from analyzed considering block levels: presence absence) 3 (storage refrigerator, or temperature) + controls (with baseline) repetitions seeds. Drying reduced initial water content 5.0%, loss viability. 40 faster more efficient than gel. results enable classifying species as orthodox, i.e. tolerant desiccation. fridge storing up months, independent previous drying, while with makes them last longer can 16 12 drying.