There is an increasing need for investigations of the Brazilian native tree species, mainly the physiological quality of their seeds. To evaluate the desiccation tolerance and storability of Eugenia brasiliensis seeds, mature fruits collected at Mogi-Guaçu, SP, Brazil and their seeds were removed by washing and were dried at 36ºC until their water content was reduced from 48.9% (fresh seeds, wet basis) to 23.6% (final drying), totaling five drying levels. Samples of each drying level were stored at 7ºC in plastic bags for 270 days. Results showed that water content lower than 43.1% decreased both germinability[germination potential] and storability. Seeds with 48.9% water content showed 60% germination after 180 days and 19% after 270 days of storage inside plastic bags in a cold chamber. We concluded that E. brasiliensis seeds can be stored for 180 days at 7ºC and are intolerant to drying at 36ºC.
conservation; desiccation; germination; Myrtaceae
