The objective of this work was to study the loss of seed viability of two varieties of Vigna unguiculata, conditioned in paper and metallic packaging, and stored without temperature and relative air humidity control. After seed harvest, in fields prepared for this purpose, the seeds were manually processed, treated, conditioned and stored; every two months, their physiological quality was evaluated using a germination test. The data analysis was carried out using an entirely randomized design, in a 2 x 2 x 2 x 6 factorial scheme with four repetitions; the quantitative factors were disclosed by the regression in the analysis of variance. Based on the results, the viability of the Vigna unguiculata bean seeds was affected by the treatments and storage condition: after 360 days, the germination rate decreased from 99.37 to 41.68%; the 'Emepa' variety was higher than the 'Corujinha' by 63.47%, and the Piper nigrum extract proved efficient in the viability maintenance of these seeds.
Vigna unguiculata; Piper nigrum extract; storage; germination
