Brachiaria decumbens seed lote storability prediction by acelerated aging test

Abstract

The storability of eighteen Brachiaria decumbens seed lots using the accelerated aging test, has been analyzed. The seed lots were maintained under open storage conditions for about 20 months. Every two months, seed moisture content, vigor and standard germination were obtained for each of the lots throughout the experiment. An accelerated aging test was carried out alter 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 hours, at 43 ºC ± 0,5 and 100% relative humidity. Initial germination percentage was ineffective in detecting seed lot vigor differences. Seed dormancy was not completely removed only with H2SO4 treatment however, it was eliminated either by additional open storage or an accelerated aging test period. The results were unable to predict 10 and 20-month seed lot storability. Regression equations, however, developed from initial seed vigor alter 60 and 30-hour accelerated aging, were successful in seed lot storability prediction, alter two, four, eight and six months, respectively.