From a regional sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) yield trial conducted in 1984/85 and 1985/86 data were obtained in order to evaluate the physiological and sanitary quality of the seeds. The experiment was located in Santa Maria, RS and 15 genotypes were tested. The first seed harvested occured when seed reached 13 - 14% moisture content and the second, eight days later. The physiological quality of seeds was tested by germination and vigor tests, weight of 1000 seeds and dry matter content. The phathological study was carried out on a sterile filter paper with freezing and superficial sterelization and incubated for seven days at 25°C in continuous light. It was concluded that the physiological quality for sunflower seeds is determinated primarily by genotypes, when, at maturation and harvest time, the climatic conditions is favorable. After the seeds attain 13% of moisture content, delaying seed harvest eight days reduces seed vigor but do not affect germination percentage. The sanitary quality of the seeds is maintained or improved, when reduction on the moisture content is bellow 13%.
sunflower seeds; physiological quality; sanitary quality; harvest delaying
