Avaliação da qualidade fisiológica das sementes de algodão (Gossypium hirsutum L.r. latifolium Huth) armazenadas em função de diferentes tratamentos e teores de umidade.

Abstract

A laboratory experiment was carried out at the Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Campina Grande-PB, in 1996 with the aim to investigate the physiological quality of cotton {Gossypium hirsutum L. r. latifolium HUTCH) seeds, storaged during 280 days. The trial was set out in a CRD with a factorial arrangement 4 x 4 x 5 with four replicates. The factors were: seed treatment (seeds with lint; delinted seeds; delinted seeds, classified on gravity table and delinted seeds, classified on gravity table and treated with fungicide), humidity conditions (4, 8, 12 and 16%) and storage period (0, 70, 140, 210 and 280 days). The cultivar used was CNPA 7H from Pombal-PB and produced in 1995. The physiological seed quality was estimated throughout germination tests (paper and sand substracts) and vigor test (germination, seedling length and electrical condutivity). Germination and vigor (tested material) significantly decreased throughout the period of 280 days of storage, independently of seed treatment and humidity condition. Delinted seeds, classified on gravity table, treated with fungicide and submited to 8% of humidity showed the best physiological quality. The highest lost of quality was registered on seeds with lint storaged under 4% of humidity.