This study evaluated the effect of different packaging types and storage environments on sweet corn quality after 18 months of storage. Three types of packaging were evaluated: three-layered Kraft paper package, plastic package and vacuum conditioning (0.1 atm). Seeds stored in paper package were treated with fungicides and insecticides. Two moisture contents were evaluated in the seeds stored in impermeable (plastic) package: 8 and 11%. The seeds were stored in a cold room or in a conventional warehouse. Seed quality was evaluated using the tests of germination, emergence speed index, cold test, sanitary test and the evaluation of changes in ADH and MDH enzyme systems. Storage in a cold room was more effective in preserving the physiologic quality of sweet corn seeds, and in this environment, storage of treated seeds in paper or plastic packages was more adequate for seed preservation. Storing sweet corn seeds in a conventional warehouse, packaging under vacuum or in plastic package assured smaller reductions in seed physiologic quality after 18 months. The incidence of the fungi Fusarium moniliforme and Aspergillus sp. in the cold room and Aspergillus sp. In the conventional storage was favored regardless of the type of package in the storage of sweet corn seeds that were not treated with fungicides.
storage; vacuum; packaging
