Influence of alternative packaging on the storage and quality of jatobá seeds (Hymenaea courbaril L.)

Abstract

Jatobá (Hymenaea courbaril L.) is a tree species of the Fabaceae family with great socio-environmental importance Although the economic exploitation of this crop is increasing mainly in the Amazon region, the collection of information is still limited, especially related to the processing and quality of seeds. The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of packaging types on the physical properties and physiological quality of jatobá seeds during storage. The treatments consisted of three types of packaging (PET bottle, plastic bag packaging and kraft paper packaging) and five storage periods (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 months). Every two months, tests were carried out to evaluate the physical properties of the seeds: water content, mass of 100 seeds, mass loss, size and shape, sphericity, roundness, apparent specific mass, unitary specific mass, porosity and physiological quality: germination test, first count, electrical conductivity and accelerated aging. During the storage period, the water content of the seeds ranged from 8.9 to 9.7% (b.u). Among the main results, it can be seen that the PET packaging had the best performance during storage, for physical properties and physiological quality. Seeds can be stored for eight months without significantly losing viability and vigor.