Abstract The baru (Dipteryx alata Vogel), is fruit tree displaying economic, environmental, industrial and food importance. The objective of this study was to adapt to the tetrazolium test methodology to baru seeds and evaluate the physiological quality of seeds stored for 12 months at 10 and 20 ºC, using X-ray images as a toll for detection damage throughout the storage period while also carrying out germination, emergence and electrical conductivity tests. Baru seeds remained viable for 12 months of storage, albeit with a small decrease in vigor after nine months. The applied tetrazolium test methodology was efficient in determining internal seed damage. The pre-soak time for the tetrazolium test and solution concentration was 24 hours and 0.05%. No changes in seed morphology and radiographic images were observed during the storage periods, regardless of the assessed temperature. The X-ray test enabled a precise visualization of internal baru seed structures.

ABSTRACT. Environment and storage time influence stored seed quality, especially for oilseeds such as castor beans because they have a high lipid content and are more prone to deterioration. This study evaluated the physiological quality of seeds from three castor bean genotypes stored at 10 and 20°C for 300 days. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 4 replications, in a 2 x 6 (2 temperatures x 6 storage periods) split-plot design. The seeds were placed in low-density polypropylene bags and stored in climatic chambers at 10 and 20°C, in which the temperature and relative humidity were registered. Physiological quality (germination, germination rate index, emergence, rate of emergence, electrical conductivity and accelerated aging) were evaluated at baseline and after 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 days of storage. Castor seeds of genotype EVF 106 showed better physiological quality when stored at 10°C. Castor seeds of genotype EVF 701 could be stored at 10 and 20°C for 300 days. Castor seeds of genotype EVF 712 presented reduced physiological quality during their 300 days in storage, regardless of temperature.

Resumo: Sementes de mamona são a matéria-prima para extração de óleo utilizado para diversos fins farmacêuticos e industriais. Para assegurar a produção de sementes com qualidade, é necessário aplicar apropriadamente tecnologias de pós-colheita, como o beneficiamento. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de dois genótipos de mamona, classificadas por massa específica e tamanho. Sementes de mamona dos genótipos EVF102 e EVF103 foram colhidas mecanicamente e classificadas por meio de peneiras de crivos cilíndricos e mesa densimétrica, na Unidade de Beneficiamento das Sementes Goiás Ltda. As avaliações da qualidade fisiológica foram conduzidas no Laboratório de Sementes do Instituto Federal Goiano, em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com 4 repetições, em esquema fatorial 2 x 2 x 5 (2 genótipos x 2 tamanhos x 5 massas específicas). Foram avaliados os parâmetros massa de mil sementes, teste de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, teste de emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência, condutividade elétrica e envelhecimento acelerado. Sementes do genótipo EVF102 de tamanho 8 mm, conforme classificadas pela mesa densimétrica, apresentaram maior qualidade fisiológica considerando-se a germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação e emergência. Sementes do genótipo EVF103 separadas por tamanho não apresentaram diferença na qualidade fisiológica.

Abstract: Castor bean seeds are the raw material used for extracting oil destined to pharmaceutical and industrial ends. The appropriate application of post-harvest technologies, such as processing, is required to ensure the production of top quality seeds. Thus, this study aimed at assessing the physiological quality of seeds from two castor bean genotypes, classified according to their specific mass and size. Castor seeds of the genotypes EVF102 and EVF103 were mechanically harvested and then classified with the aid of cylindrical sieves and a densimetric table. This procedure was conducted at the processing unit of the company Sementes Goiás LTDA [Goiás Seeds Co.]. Evaluations of seed physiological quality were carried out in the Seed Laboratory of Instituto Federal Goiano, following a completely randomized design. The testing was conducted in four replicates, in a 2 x 2 x 5 factorial scheme (two genotypes x two sizes x five specific masses). The following parameters were appraised: (a) mass of one thousand seeds; (b) germination; (c) germination speed index; (d) emergence test; (e) emergence speed index; (f) electrical conductivity; and (g) accelerated aging. Genotype EVF102 seeds sized 8 mm, as classified by the densimetric table, showed the highest physiological quality, considering the germination, germination speed index, and emergence. Seeds of the genotype EVF103, sorted by size, exhibited no difference in physiological quality.