Análise comparativa das taxas de deterioração de sementes ortodoxas de Erythrina speciosa e recalcitrantes de Eugenia spp.

Abstract

The main factors affecting seed storage capacity are the seed water content and temperature. The higher are these values, the higher are the deterioration rates. There are mathematical models that allow to estimate the lifespan of seeds in storage, whenever the values of both factors are provided. However, for some species, especially these native from tropical forest regions, these equations are not so efficient. In this work we analysed the deterioration rates of desiccation-tolerant (Erythrina speciosa) and desiccation-sensitive (Eugenia spp.) seeds, in order to obtain new data to understand the difference in the deterioration rates under different environmental conditions. The results evidenced great variation in the responses. Therefore, more studies are needed, especially for seeds that are sensitive to desiccation.