INFLUENCE OF PACKAGING AND STORAGE LOCATION ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF THE PUMPKIN SEEDS ‘JACAREZINHO’ (Curcubita moschata Duch). - DOI: 10.13083/1414-3984.v22n04a02

Abstract

Storage conditions are crucial to ensure the physiological quality of seeds, and although their quality cannot be improved, good conditions during this period help to maintain them viable for a longer time, slowing the deterioration process. Maintaining the viability of seeds of fleshy fruits by storing has been one of the most important lines of research for seeds. Based on this information, the present study sought to evaluate the influence of different packing types, environmental conditions and storage periods on germination and vigor of the pumpkin seeds cv. Jacarezinho. The work was conducted at the Seed Analysis Laboratory of Embrapa Semi-Arid, at Petrolina - PE. Seeds were packaged in paper or plastic (polyethylene terephthalate) bags and maintained in a laboratory environment or in cold chamber at 10 oC and 45% RH. The seeds were evaluated before and during storage for three, six and twelve months. We evaluated the water content, germination and vigor of the seeds. Among the main results, it was shown that it is feasible to store Jacarezinho pumpkin seeds with 6% water content for twelve months, since endogenous dormancy is broken after this retention period. The plastic bags were considered the most suitable, along with the lab environment of 29 oC and 45% RH for the climatic conditions of Petrolina - PE. The highest germination values were obtained in plastic bags (95%) after twelve months and for paper bags was 91% in the third month of storage. Correlation analysis between the dry weight of the seeds (r = -0.80) and cold test (r = 0.76) with emergence in the field was significant at 1% probability.