Heat treatment on carrot seeds

Abstract

This study aimed at erradicating seed-borne fungi on carrot, Daucus carota L., seeds, cv. Brasília, by thermotherapy (dry heat) without any damage to its viability. The study was carried out in 1994/95, at Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel, Federal University of Pelotas, RS, Brazil. Four seed lots, two harvested in 1993/94 and two harvested in 1994/95, were heated at 70°C for periods of: 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days. The following parameters were used to evaluate the seeds: seed health test (blotter-test), standard germination test and vigor tests (cold test and accelerated aging test). The results showed that: dry heat at 70°C for 15 days eliminated seed-borne fungi of high quality carrot seeds, without reducing germination and vigor; high quality carrot seeds can be dehydrated to 1% moisture content without damage to it; and the seed quality or age affects its performance in heat treatments.