Estudo do efeito das condições de armazenagem na semente de algumas variedades de milho - Zea mays L.

Abstract

Three lots of maize seed, being two of Manica variety from Semoc and Lomaco; and one lot of Matuba variety from Semoc, were used to study the effect of controlled deterioration under different conditions of moisture content, temperature and time. In order to better sense the factors contributing to the loss of viability under the localization conditions in the country, a multifactorial trial including the characteristics and humidities commonly occurring in the country was prepared to study the effect of humidity, temperature and seed origin on longivities . In the present work, three (3) moisture content levels (13, 15 and 18%) were used, where 18% moisture content level is found to be quite unfavourable for preservation of seed long life. The effect of deterioration in the different conditions was evaluated by germination test. The long life of the seed depends on moisture content, temperature and storage time. The results were used to plot the viability curve. In general it was seen that these curves follow the theoretical model proposed by ellis and roberts (1980a) the moisture levels achieved by the contract growers in their drying conditions are satisfactory, ranging from 12 to 13.8%; thus below the National Seed Service (s. N. S.) standard of 14%.(TRADUÇAO NOSSA)