This study had the following objects: To evaluate the immediate and latent effects of drying-air temperature and compare the influence of two types of seed packaging on the physiological quality of seeds of the yellow passion fruit. Tests were conducted employing four levels of drying-air temperature (ambient temperature under shade, 30, 35, and 40 ºC), one level of drying-air airflow (48 m³ min-1 m-2), and initial and final seed moisture contents of 35 and 10% w.b., respectively. Drying runs were performed in thin layers in a prototype laboratory drier with an upward airflow design. The physiological quality of the seeds was assessed through vigour and standard germination tests. Upon removal from the drier, seeds were cooled to ambient air temperature, placed in glass containers and polyethylene bags and stored in a controlled temperature chamber at 15±1 ºC for 90 and 180 days. Results showed that drying-air temperature had no significant effect on passion fruit seeds germination. Storage priods of 90 and 180 days produced seeds with the same vigour based on the count made at the seventh day. Also, the final germination count was not affected by storage time. Results revealed that both seed vigour and germination were the same regardless of whether they were dried at ambient temperature under shade or under controlled temperature in the range from 30 to 40 ºC.
Passiflora edulis; passion fruit; seeds; drying; storage; physiological quality
