Effect of drying conditions on physiological quality of cowpea seeds of the cultivar brs-tumucumaque

ABSTRACT Seed drying has many advantages, but it can cause irreversible damages, compromising the physiological quality of seeds, especially when they present high water contents. The objective this work was to evaluate effect conditions (inside and outside pod) on cowpea seeds cultivar BRS-Tumucumaque before after storage. A completely randomized experimental design with four replications used, in a split-plot arrangement. plots consisted combinations harvest seasons (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) artificial seed pod); subplots storage times (0 6 months). contents were determined evaluated for germination, first germination count, emergence, emergence index, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity. Higher found dried inside pods, which more evident 1 both times. In other seasons, had no vigor at beginning pods showed greater six months Drying favors maintenance allows content 47%. Artificial higher than 32.5% is not recommended condition pod. potential decreases storage, regardless condition.