The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of star-flower (Syngonanthus elegans (Bong.) Ruhland) seeds produced at different locations, harvested at different times and then stored under different conditions and for different periods of time. Capitula of S. elegans were colected in two areas of star-flowers plants natural occurrence on the Campus II of the Federal University of the Valleys of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri, in Diamantina, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in a typical Orthic Quartzarenicenic Neossoil (location 1) and a typical Hydromorphic Quartzarenic Neossoil (location 2) at 07/04/05, 07/19/05, 08/22/05, 09/21/05, and 10/20/05) and later submitted to germination and vigor tests (Experiment 1). The capitula taken on 07/04/05 (locations 1 and 2) were placed in transparent polyethylene bags and stored either in a seed laboratory at room temperature (20±2ºC) or in a refrigerator (5±2ºC), for zero, four, eight, and 12 months. After these periods, the seeds were evaluated again for germination and vigor (Experiment 2). A completely random design in a 2x5 factorial was used (harvest time and production location) for Experiment 1; and a 4x2x2 factorial scheme (storage time x location x storage temperature) for Experiment 2, with four replications. The physiological quality of S. elegans seeds varied in function of time and location of production. During storage, germination and vigor did not vary with production location and storage temperature. Storage for 12 months in a refrigerator or at room temperature resulted in higher percentages of normally germinating seeds.
temperature; vigor; germination
