Phisiological performance and health of wheat seeds subjected to hydration/dehydration treatments

To evaluate the effect of hydration and dehydration, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds of the cultivars `OCEPAR 7 - Batuíra' and `CEP 14 - Tapes' were submitted to periods of hydration, varying from 0 to 48 hours under constant temperature (20oC). At 3-hour intervals, seed samples of each treatment were characterized for water absorption and germination. The seeds were then oven dried at 30oC until their seeds reached the original moisture. After two months of storage in a cool chamber, seeds of the various treatments were evaluated for physiological aspects and health state. Hidration period over 30h followed by drying decreased the physiological performance and health. The best sanitary response was for intermediate periods of hytratation (15 to 27 hours).

Triticum aestivum; wheat; seeds; treatment; hydration-dehydration; germination development stage; physiological quality; health state