The work evaluated water removal and corn seed quality by "fast" and "slow" intermittent drying, under 60oC and 70oC air temperatures. In 1994/95 IAPAR 26 seeds were harvested with a combined, harvester (22% water content) in Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil. They were dried in commercial dryers, using the shade drying to 13% as referential. The seed water content was monitored during drying, at intervals of thirty minutes, for the establishment of the drying speeds and curves. The physiologic quality was evaluated in the sampled seeds, before drying, at intermidiate times and at the end of drying, through the germination, tetrazolium (germination and vigor) and accelerated aging tests. The drying speed for the "fast" and "slow" dryers were 1.7% and 2.7% /hr, respectively. The dryers were efficient in the removal of corn seed water with high moisture content, not affecting immediately its physiologic quality (P> 0.01). Air temperature reduction can be recommended at the end of the process, when the seeds reach 14% water content.
Zea mays L.; seed; drying; quality; corn