ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different storing locations in the State of Paraíba, which is representative of the homogeneous micro-regions of the coastal area of Paraíba (João Pessoa), Borborema Rural Area (Campina Grande), and Alto Piranhas Depression (Patos), under open storage conditions, on the germination of rice seeds (Oryza sativa L.) relating to different types of packaging (metalic containers and burlap sacks) during a six months period. The experiment was set according to a factorial scheme 3 x 2 x 7, using the completely randomized design, with four replications. Evaluations were made monthly, following the guidelines prescribed by the "Seeds Analyses Rules", except for the number of seeds (200) in four replications of 50 seeds. Considering the results obtained, it was concluded that the rice seeds stored in the different types of packing and in the environmental conditions of the three locations presented the lowest losses in germination (4%) and vigor (6,5%) at the end of the period in Campina Grande. In João Pessoa, these losses were lowest in the metallic package (28,1% in germination and 31,5% in vigor), and in Patos in the burlap sacks, with 12,6% germination and 23,3% vigor losses.
Key words:
storage; packaging; germination; rice