Desiccation of Achras sapota L. seeds

Abstract

The loss of seed viability of species is directly related to desiccation tolerance, which is evaluated by determining the minimum water content of seed tissues. Therefore, the objective of this study was evaluating the effects of desiccation on Achras sapota L. seeds quality. The study was developed at Plant Science Laboratory, in Santa Cruz State University, State of Bahia, Brazil, and the treatments consisted in determining the emergence and vigor of seeds exposed to desiccation of approximately 5% water content from the initial moisture content of 36% until 7%. Based on these results it was concluded that the seeds of A. sapota L. can be desiccated until they reach the water content of 16% without compromising seed viability and development of normal seedlings.

electrical conductivity; drying; feasibility; vigor