In this study, we aimed to verify the influence of different drying methods and physiologically classify Acca sellowiana seeds with regard to desiccation and storage tolerance. Three treatments (control, slow drying and fast drying) were used to test the performance of seeds in relation to different drying methods. We verified humidity content of 20% on a dry basis for both drying methods. For the physiological classification, seeds of A. sellowiana were dried to water contents of 12% and 5%, and stored in a refrigerator at 8 ºC for 90 days. The quality of seeds was assessed by germination percentage and speed index (SGI). No influence of the drying methods was observed for seeds that were simply collected and stored for 30 to 60 days. Seeds stored for 60 days presented greater germination in the control treatment. Seeds of A. sellowiana may be classified as intermediate as to tolerance to desiccation and storage.
water contents; drying methods; quality of seeds