Peschiera fuchsiaefolia is a pasture weed in southern Brazil whose dispersion occurs by seeds. The objective of this research was to evaluate the physiological quality of P. fuchsiaefolia at fruit maturation stages and storage periods. This experiment was carried using fruit seeds harvested in 5 different regions: lot 1-Vitoriana/SP, lot 2-Botucatu/SP, lot 3Bauru/SP, lot 4-São Manuel/SP and lot 5-São Pedro/SP. The experimental design was completely randomized with the treatments arranged in a factorial design 2 x 4, being two storage periods (0 and 7 days after harvest) and four fruit maturation stages [dark green (5GY 4/4), green (5GY 6/8), dark orange (5YR 5/10) and light orange (2,5Y 8/12)]. The fruit pulp was removed and the seeds were extracted by friction in sieve under running water. The seeds were put to germinate at 30 ºC during 8 hours of light. Germination was weekly evaluated up to 42 days after sowing. Seed vigor was determined by first germination counting, index of germination speed and electrical conductivity. Seed vigor was greatest in fruits harvested at the final stage of maturation. Storage affected seed quality.
weed; germination; pasture
