The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is an exotic fruit originated from Japan, cultivated in southeastern Brazil, in both domestic and commercial orchards. Such as occurs with other fruits, there is still lack of research on loquat, concerning physiological quality and storage of seeds, aiming their use and perpetuation. The objective of this study was to obtain information about the performance of loquat seeds during storage in two types of packaging. The seeds were extracted from the fruits, washed in water and dried in natural conditions of temperature (25±1°C). Then they were packed in two types of packaging (plastic and paper) and stored in refrigerator (8±2°C). At the beginning of the experiment and every 30 days (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 storage days), tests were run to determine the seed moisture content, first counting and germination tests, and the results were expressed in percentage. Loquat seeds are dispersed with high water content (58%), and germination of the seeds stored in paper bags decreased abruptly the 30th day of storage and at the 60th day of storage, when moisture contents reached values around 25%, the germination completely finished, reflecting their recalcitrance. Seeds storage in plastic packaging maintained the moisture content and remained viable for a period of 180 days, showing 90% germination and 60% moisture content.
Eriobotrya japonica; storage; germination
