Bixa orellana L. seed germination and conservation

This experiment was carried out to verify the influence of moisture content on germination and germplasm conservation in Bixa orellana seeds. To study the effect of moisture content on seed germination, seeds of seven populations were exposed to treatments of pre-hydration under high relative humidity, soaking in water and drying in a chamber at 15%RH. None of the treatments promoted higher germination percentage and soaking in water delayed the process. Seeds were stored under temperatures of +5 degrees C and -20 degrees C. After 6, 12 and 24 months, samples were taken and germination tests performed. The results showed that B. orellana seeds show primary dormancy which is reduced during storage at +5 degrees C or become deeper at -20 degrees C. These results indicate that the storage behaviour of B. orellana seeds is orthodox.