Temperature, moisture and initial quality are important factors in Ellis and Roberts' equation to predict seed longevity, however it relies on complex experiments of seed aging. The objective of this work was to simplify the equation for predicting changes in seed viability during open warehouse storage. The simplified equation proposed is given by the model Vp = Vi - (tgbeta).p, in which Vp is seed viability in probit for a period p (days), Vi is the initial seed viability in probit and tgbeta is the seed deterioration rate for each specie at determined storage conditions. Seeds of hybrid corn BRS201 and BRS206 and soybean varieties IAC-8 and MG/BR 46 (Conquista) were packed in multiwall paper bags and stored for 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 240, 300 and 360 days in open warehouse at two locations, Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais State and Brasília, Federal District. The data were transformed in probit and the deterioration rate (tgbeta) between 0 and 30 days was calculated. The coefficient tgb ranged from 1.476x10-3 to 2.687x10-3 for corn and from 2.868x10-3 to 3.617x10-3 for soybean, depending on locations. These data indicate that soybean seed germination declined faster than corn. This model has accurately predicted corn and soybean seed germination after an open storage period.
germination; storage; vigor; aging
