SEED PHYSIOLOGY CLASSIFICATION OF LAURACEAE FOREST SPECIES IN RELATION TO THE STORAGE BEHAVIOUR

Abstract

Knowledge on the storability of seeds allows the establishment of suitable conditions for keeping viability after harvest and elaboration of programs for the conservation of germoplasma banks in the long term. This study aimed to classify seeds of Cryptocarya aschersoniana, Nectandra nitidula, Ocotea odorifera and Persea pyrifolia in relation to the storage behavior based on their tolerance to desiccation and low temperatures. Viability and moisture content were accessed for freshly-processed seeds; for seeds desiccated; after 90 days for fresh seeds and stored at 5°C packed in semi-permeable package and after 90 days for dry seeds stored at 5°C and -18°C with the impermeable wrapping. Statistical analysis was performed by comparing the overlaying confidence intervals of the means of germination percentage for each species. The seeds of species studyed were considered recalcitrant because loosed viability after desiccation.