Physiological quality of sweet sorghum seeds dried under different conditions of air

The aim of the study was to analyse the physiological quality of sweet sorghum seeds dried at different conditions of air. Drying of sweet sorghum seeds was performed at controlled air temperatures of 40, 55, 70, 85 and 100 °C and relative humidity of 28.4, 18.6, 12.2, 7.3 and 3.1%, during 3.0; 1.75; 1.42; 1.08 e 0.83 h, respectively. The seeds after drying were subjected to analysis of electrical conductivity, germination, first count of germination, germination speed index (GSI), germination percentage, emergence and emergence rate index (ERI). It was found that increasing the temperature of the drying air promotes greater damage to the seeds by increasing the electrical conductivity of the solution. The percentage of germination, GSI, emergence percentage and ERI were reduced with increase in temperature. It is concluded that the seed quality of sweet sorghum is affected by drying air temperature, and that higher temperatures promote greater damage to the seed; drying can be performed until the air temperature of 55 °C.

damage; germination; vigor