The production of higher quality seeds of tropical forage grasses such as guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) presents some details that are able to influence on seed purity and germination. As a consequence, harvest time and method have a direct influence on seed quality. This research was carried out with the main objective of evaluating the quality of guinea grass seeds, cv Mombaça, harvested by three methods: a) hand cutting the panicles followed by curing on the ground for three to five days; b) hand collecting the shattered seeds from the ground and c) mechanical. Seeds obtained from each harvesting procedure, were first evaluated for physical purity and then stored under uncontrolled conditions during 15 months. Germination, vigor (first count, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity) were determined at three-month intervals during storage. Seeds collected from the ground, in spite of lower physical purity, exhibited superior physiological quality than those harvested by the other two methods.
harvesting methods; physiological quality; vigor; dormancy
