Some comments on desiccation tolerance of seeds are presented, with analysis of the main works carried out with orthodox and recalcitrant seeds. It was analysed the aspects that are considered important on this tolerance, as seed developing and germination stages, abscisic acid, DNA, RNAs, proteins, sugars, water properties, free radicals and particularities of recalcitrant seeds. Some action perspectives on this issue are presented.
recalcitrant; storage; seed conservation