Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) homogeneous seedlots, harvested in four sites in São Paulo State, Brazil, were initially evaluated for germination, vigor, moisture content and seed weigth. Thereafter, seedlots were submitted to storage, during two years, under the following conditions: (a) chamber at 12oC and 48% of relative humidity and (b) at room conditions. Germination and vigor tests (accelerated aging test, 42oC/48h), were applied at 6, 12, and 24 month intervals. All four seedlots showed similar water contents, ranging from 10.7 to 11.2%. However, seeds from Campinas were heavier than those harvested in the other localities. Seed germination and vigor decreased significantly with the increase of the storage period. Seedlots stored under controlled conditions presented higher germination and vigor values than those kept in the laboratory. Seeds harvested at Monte Alegre do Sul showed better germination and vigor than those from other places.
germination; vigor; seeds; chickpea; storage
