Euterpe espiritosantensis seeds are recalcitrant, presenting sensibility to dehydration and difficulty for storage. In some species with recalcitrant seeds, partial drying favors the maintenance of viability during storage. The objective of this research was to study the effects of partial drying and storage on germination and vigor of E. espiritosantensis seeds. Two seed lots (L1 and L2) were dried for 0; 20, and 40 hours in a dry chamber and stored at 15ºC in closed plastic bags. An assay for each seed lot was carried out on a completely randomized design, with treatments arranged in an 3 x 6 (L1) and 3 x 10 (L2) factorial scheme, corresponding to three seed drying periods and six or ten weeks of storage. Seed quality was evaluated every six weeks, during 30 and 54 weeks for L1 and L2, respectively. Seed water content (U), percentage of germination (G) and vigor (first counting of germination test and index germination rate) were assessed. Water content during storage, were, in both lots, on average 46; 40, and 36%, respectively, for 0; 20, and 40 hours of drying, without important changes due to storage period. For non-stored seeds, drying reduced significantly vigor, but did not interfere with germination. Seed lot L1 presented viable seeds in all sub lots until the end of the storage period (G = 71, 61 and 45% for 0; 20 and 40 hours, respectively). Seeds on lot L2 lost viability completely in the 30th week in the 40 hours of drying treatment (U=36%). Seeds in other treatments remained viable up to 54 weeks of storage (G = 46%). Partial drying reduced vigor and decreased seed longevity. Seeds from E. espiritosantensis can be stored without drying, with 45-46% of water content.
Euterpe espiritosantensis Fernandes; recalcitrant seeds; germination; vigor; palm tree
