Crotalaria juncea L. seeds with 6.3% and 11.1% moisture contents were stored for 84 months under room temperature and controlled conditions (at 20°C and 30°C). The seeds were tested periodically, in the laboratory for germination and vigor (germination speed index) and in the field, for emergence, plant height, green matter production (at time of maturation) and grain yield. No significant differences among the seeds were observed up to 30 months of storage, under the several conditions, all presenting above 90% seed germination. After 30 months of storage, the seeds under conditions of high moisture and temperature exhibited faster deterioration: those maintained with 11.1% moisture at 30°C, showed practically no germination and vigor after 66 months. Seeds with 6.3% moisture content maintained the percentage of germination above 90 up to 84 months, at both temperatures, 20°C or 30°C. From the fourth planting year on, the seeds stored with 11.1% moisture at 30°C showed large differences as to stand, green matter production and grain yield. Of the conditions studied, the most adequate for seed longevity preservation was the one that kept 6.3% seed moisture content at either 20°C or 30°C. After seven years the seeds so stored presented satisfactory levels of germination and vigor, and good performance in the field.
Crotalaria juncea L.; deterioration; seeds; germination; vigor; production