Researches aiming reduction of grain and seed losses during storage period has been developed in many countries. Quality grain indexes of good applicability with simple methodology to give quick response for quick taking decision are of importance. The present study was carried out at the Agricultural Products Processing Laboratory UNESP, Botucatu/SP, with the objectives of: a) establishing a relation between the levels of free fatty acids and the seeds vigor classes; b) establishing the relation between the level of free fatty acids and commercial classification through types in rice grains (Oryza sativa L.). The correspondence between the free fatty acids and seeds vigor classes was assessed by using seeds artificially degenerated, obtaining different vigor rates. The relation between the level of free fatty acids and classification through types in rice grains was done by using samples of rice with the maximum percentage of " blemished" grains allowed by the legislation in force. It was used the variance analysis in a completely randomized blockdesign and, for means comparison, it was used the Tukey´s test at 5% of probability. In seeds, the fat acidity test showed to be able to evaluate the rice seeds vigor. The results from the study searching for a relation between the values of fat acidity and commercial classification revealed a tendency of the free fatty acids rate to follow the commercial classification through types.
Free fat acids; seed quality; rice classification; Oryza sativa
