Viability of Ocotea puberula (Rich.) Ness Seeds During Storage

ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify the DNA integrity and viability of Ocotea puberula seeds, with and without fruit, during storage. Seeds of five lots were stored, with and without fruit, in cold and dry chamber (40% ± 3% RH; 10 °C ± 2 °C) for 0, 3, 6, and 9 months. The following attributes were determined at each period: water content, germination potential (%), tetrazolium (%), and DNA integrity. Seed germination was conducted in germitest paper, in germinator at 30 °C under constant light. The tetrazolium test was performed in 0.5% solution for 1 hour. The DNA integrity of seeds was analyzed in agarose gel and DNA concentration was measured using a NanoDrop® spectrometer. The results showed that only seeds without fruit maintained germination for three months; after this period, the germination of seeds reduced gradually, becoming null after nine months. Seed degradation during storage was observed in the DNA integrity analysis. Ocotea puberula seeds, with or without fruit, stored in Kraft paper bags in cold and dry chamber had their viability and DNA integrity reduced after three months.