Seed priming may overcome the inhibitory effect of low temperatures and increase germination and seedling establishment in the field. The objective of this study was to compare seed viability between primed and unprimed seeds during storage. Muskmelon seeds were primed in KNO3 (0.35M) aerated solution for nine days at 25°C. Primed and unprimed seeds were placed in aluminum bags and stored for 0, 6, 12, 18 e 24 months in laboratory conditions. Primed seeds had higher deterioration during storage. After 24 months, primed seeds germinated 30%, whereas unprimed seeds germinated 78%. Further studies of seed priming might allow improvements in this process to achieve simultaneously maximum enhancement effect of seed priming and minimize the deleterious effects during storage.
Cucumis melo; osmotic conditioning,stand establishment; seed deterioration
