Germination and vigor of stored Jatropha (Jatropha curcars L.) seeds

Abstract: Jatropha seeds are classified as orthodox. However, since it is an oil seed species, adequate storage conditions are required to ensure their longevity. The objective of this work was to evaluate the physiological quality of jatropha seeds stored in different environments and packaging, for periods of 3, 9 and 15 months. Three types of seed packaging bags (high density plastic bag, aluminized envelope and multiwall paper bag) were used, and the storage environments were cold and dry chamber (20 °C and 15% RH, constant), refrigerator (7 ± 3 °C, 48 ± 8% RH) and laboratory conditions (25 ± 3 °C, 51 ± 7% RH). The initial moisture content and seed germination were 7.1% and 89%, respectively. During storage, the physiological quality (germination and vigor) and moisture content of the seeds were evaluated. Seed water content ranged from 3.3 to 7.7%, depending on the permeability of the packaging and the storage environment. The highest longevity (15 months) without loss of viability was observed for jatropha seeds with initial moisture of 7.1%, packed in semipermeable plastic. Seed vigor was maintained, regardless of the environment and the type of packaging used, for up to nine months of storage.