The seed moisture level at harvest and the following procedures are very important factors for germination, that will results in the success or failure of plant establishment. The aim of this study was to add information about viability and vigour of Ocotea porosa (imbuia) seeds, such as the right time to harvest, the best storage procedure and how to produce plants inside a greehouse. In this study, the seed moisture level was 40 and 30% and differences in chemical composition were detected. They were stored in plastic bags and glass recipients under ambient conditions in a cool room. The seeds from different conditions were sown in plastic bags containing different substratum (agricultural compound, cerrado soil plus sawdust) maintened under full sunlight and 65% artificial shading. A combined analysis was carried out to know the relationships between the parameters and to check the type of dependence between them. A linear relationship between the parameters was detected, and thus a cluster analysis was performed. The highest rate and percentage of seedling emergence was registered with seeds presenting 40% moisture level, stored under ambient conditions, inside plastic bags, sown in agricultural substratum plus cerrado soil and sawdust, maintained under artificial shading. Seed storage in glass recipients decreased seed viability and vigor.
imbuia; moisture level; storage; luminosity; chemical composition
