Alterações no potencial fisiológico de sementes de algodão no armazenamento

Abstract

The conservation of oleaginous species is dependent on the conditions in witch are subjected when stored. In addition, the quality and oil content, coupled with the enzymes action and the association of micro-organisms may influence deterioration degree of them. In this sense, studies related to quality of cotton-seeds are necessary to predict the appropriate storage conditions. Cotton-seeds with white and colored fiber were stored at temperatures of 10 ºC, 25 ºC and 30ºC per one year. Every 90 days, the seed quality were evaluated through the physical and physiological quality, sanitary, enzyme activity, chemical composition, physic-chemical properties of oil and fatty acid composition. The cotton-seeds fiber color is not higher indicate of quality on seeds. The viability and seed vigor was influenced by the conditions in which the seeds were stored. Fungi of the genus Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. increased incidence in relation to locate and the storage period, accelerating the deterioration. The enzymes activities such: esterase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and lipase helped to identify damage caused by the deterioration process in seeds stored at high temperatures. The lipids content was negatively affected, changing the physic-chemical properties of the oil present in the seeds, specially in acidity. The fatty acid composition is modified in relation to storage conditions.