Sodium hypochlorite was evaluated as a chemical treatment for endocarp degradation instead of manual removal, and its effect on seed germination. Coffea arabica L. seeds, Catuai 44 variety, from the "Empresa Fertilizantes Heringer" experimental area, Manhuaçú, MG were used. The seeds had a 28.14% moisture content at the beginning of the tests. Five sodium hypochlorite concentrations (0; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5 and10%) were used and four immersion times (6, 12, 18 and 24h). Two controls were used: seeds with endocarp and seeds without endocarp that were manually removed. A completely randomized design was used with a combination of 5 x 4 factors and two additional treatments and eight repetitions of 50 seeds each. Eeed physiological quality was analyzed by the germination test, first germination count and plant strength classification. Concentrations of 0 and 2.5% odium hypochlorite were not efficient for endocarp removal with all immersion times. Concentrations of 5% or higher were efficient on endocarp removal for all immersion times. Concentration of 5% and 6h immersion time gave the best result for seed germination and was similar to treatment without endocarp manually removed endocarp. In laboratory germination analysis sodium hypochlorite was an efficient alternative for endocarp removal of coffee seeds with 28,14% moisture content.
Coffea arabica L.; sodium hypochlorite; seeds
