The storage of the Coffea arabica L. seeds can be done for six months. From then on, the viability tends to decline. Researches which were carried out with the purpose to define the technologies capable to increase the conservation period have shower, discordant results, mainly, with regard to seed moisture content. In order to critically analyze the results of the afore mentioned researches, this review was done. Besides discussing some aspects concerning longevity and initial seed quality, it focus in explaining the storage conditions. Thus it has been evidenced that the relation between moisture content and longevity is possibly similar to that observed in ortodox seed type and that the moisture content around 10% may be more favorable for the maintenance of seed viability in the storage.
viability; moisture content; longevity; seed initial quality; storage conditions
