Physiological and sanitary quality of peanut seeds stored in the state of São Paulo were assessed in seed lots of cultivars IAC 886 and IAC 503 harvested in the 2010/11 and 2011/12 growing seasons. Evaluations also included the identification and damages caused by fungi and insects occurring in these conditions. Seed sampling and evaluations were done in four stages of the seed storing and processing: before storage, before shelling, after shelling and after seed treatment. Seeds were analyzed for water content, germination and vigor, and evaluated for sanity. Shelling did not improve physiological and sanitary quality of the seeds. Cyrtomenus mirabilis (Perty) and Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) were the main insects found. The fungi most frequently detected were those of genus Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium and Rhizopus. Increased occurrence of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Rhizopus, and decreased occurrence of Fusarium were noted during the storage period. Seed treatment after shelling was proved to be essential for reaching the necessary quality standard of commercial seeds.
Arachis hypogaea L.; germination; storage; insect pests; fungi; processing
