ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the viability and seeds vigour of two genotypes of Acca sellowiana under different conditions and storage time. The seeds were obtained from two plants (G1 and G2) located in the backyards of the urban area of Vacaria city from the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The experiment was conducted in trifatorial design (2 x 3 x 2), two storage conditions (room temperature: 20-25° C; and cool: 4-8° C), three storage periods (zero, one and two years), and two genotypes (G1 and G2) arranged in randomized complete blocks design with four replications of 50 seeds in each plot. The seeds were germinated over dampened paper towel in gerbox and kept in “fitotron” with a temperature of 25 ± 2° C and a photoperiod of 16h. It was assessed the germination speed index, percentage of germination and mean germination time, through counting of germinated seeds every two days during 44 days after onset of germination. The genotypes had significantly different performances in germination rate and vigour of the seeds. When stored in environment temperature the seeds lost the germinal vigour dramatically in the first year and completely in the second year. It is concluded that it is possible to maintain 80% of germination of Acca sellowiana seeds for two years in cold storage (4 to 8° C).
Index terms
Pineapple-guava;
Acca sellowiana
; seed conservation; germination test; seedling vigour
