Behaviour of hybrid corn seeds during storage under different conditions of air temperature and relative humidity

Abstract

To evaluate the performance of early and normal hybrid corn seeds during storage under different conditions of temperature and relative humidity, Pioneer 3072 and 3210 hybrid seeds were stored under three different conditions, for sixth months. Evaluations of the physiological quality of the seeds were carried out in three bimonthly periods, part of the seeds having been submitted to additional stress at the time tests were conducted. The performance differences between the studied treatments were achieved through the employment of tests of germination, first count, accelerated aging, cold (with and without soil), electrical conductivity and seedling field emergence. It is concluded that: the control of temperature and relative humidity of the storage ambient, mainly relative humidity (dry chamber), favour the conservation of the hybrid corn seed quality.