Maturation, processing and seed storage of Elephantopus mollis Kunth

ABSTRACT. Elephantopus mollis Kunth (Asteraceae) is an aromatic medicinal species native to South and Central America with hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and leishmanicidal properties. We evaluated its maturation, ideal harvest moment, processing and seed storage, aiming to contribute to the production of this medicinal plant. We collected flower capitula between 7 and 56 days after anthesis for determination of seed moisture content, seed dry matter accumulation and germination, and correlated these factors with the morphological characters of the capitula. Capitulum processing was conducted with sieves and a seed blower to evaluate the purity, 1,000 seed weight, germination and cultural value of the seeds. The germination potential of seeds stored for 18 months refrigerated and at room temperature and the correlation of these results with those of an accelerated aging test were determined. The ideal harvest moment occurs at 49 days after anthesis and can be identified in the field by the brown coloration of the interfloral bracts. Seeds with cultural value above 80% can be obtained with the use of a 0.59 mm sieve and seed blower. The seeds can be stored cold for 12 months, and the accelerated aging test allows estimation of the viability of the seeds during storage for 18 months.