Solução osmoprotetora para a conservação de sementes do gênero Coffea sp. durante o armazenamento

Abstract

Coffee growing is one of the main pillars of the Brazilian agricultural sector, positioning Brazil as the world's largest producer and exporter. The implementation of new crops depends on the production of high quality seedlings, directly associated with the physiological quality of the seeds. However, coffee seeds being classified as intermediate, in relation to desiccation tolerance, have low storage tolerance, which represents a challenge for producers and nurserymen. Thus, the search for seed conservation methods, such as the use of osmoprotective solutions, represents a promising strategy to preserve the quality of coffee seeds during storage. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the use of osmoprotective solutions on the preservation of the physiological quality of coffee seeds, with a view to prolonging their storage period without loss of quality. Coffee seed samples were stored in a cold chamber and in an osmoprotective solution, under different aeration regimes. Seed quality was evaluated by the analysis of water content, germination, seedling emergence, seedling dry mass, electrical conductivity, seedling size and the tetrazolium test. The seed viability of the cultivars Coffea arabica L. and Coffea canéphora Pierre were maintained during the first 90 days of storage. Thus, for both coffee species, the use of osmoprotective solution is recommended for the conservation of the quality of their seeds during storage, which provides greater flexibility in the production of seedlings and accepting the ideal time for planting.