Avaliação da qualidade fisiológica de sementes de gergelim (Sesamum indicum L.) armazenadas em diferentes embalagens e condições de conservação.

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the physiological quality of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L), stored in two storage distinct conditions and three types of packages, during a six months period. It was adoptted the random statistical design, with a 4x3x2 factorial arrangement and four repetitions, in order to measure the efficiency of the two storage conditions: (a) drying chamber controlled at a temperature of 10°C and 35% relative humidity; (b) ambiental conditions of Campina Grande city (Paraiba state); and three types of packages: (a) paper bag; (b) polyethilene bag; (c) and metallic container; and four storage periods (0, 2, 4, and six months). The physiological quality was evaluated by germination, vigour test (length of seedlings) and determination of moisture content of sesame seeds of culture CNPA G-2 originated from experimental station located in Patos city, in the agriculture year of 1991-1992. The results show that the sesame seeds can be stored, for a six months period, under ambiental conditions of Campina Grande as well as in a drying chamber, without reducing the germination and vigour. The polyethilene bag and the metallic container are the best to conserve the physiological quality of these seeds.