Physiological behaviour of Blepharocalyx salicifolius and Casearia decandra seeds on the tolerance to dehydration

The present work aimed to develop studies on the tolerance to dehydration of Blepharocalyx salicifolius and Casearia decandra seeds. In order to verify the effect of drying on the seeds, they were placed in desiccators containing a saline solution saturated with potassium acetate (23.5% RH) at temperature of 15 °C. After obtaining the desired moisture contents, the seeds were submitted to the germination, vigor, tetrazolium and electrical conductivity tests. It can be concluded that under slow drying conditions, the seeds of B. salicifolius and C. decandra were sensitive to moisture reduction of 29% to 25%, and lost viability at around 14% and 8% of moisture content, respectively. The physiological changes occurring during seed drying showed there was a decrease in viability and vigor and an increase in electrical conductivity values starting at 25% seed moisture content.