The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of stationary drying with forced air on the physiologic quality of wheat seeds. Twelve bin prototypes, built in metallic tubes with 300mm diameter and 6m tall were used for drying the seeds. The air flows used were 0,7, 1,0 and 1,3 m³.min-1.t-1. When the upper layer of the seed mass reached 13% moisture, samples at each 0,50 m were collected from 0,25m to 5,25m in height. Each sample was evaluated for the physiologic quality of the seeds, after the drying and after 180 days of storage. Seed evaluations were standard germination, first count, accelerated ageing, shoot and root length, electrical conductivity and field emergence. In conclusion, stationary drying with forced air is viable for drying wheat seeds with initial moisture of 17,8% in bins of up to 5,25 m height and does not result in immediate damage to the physiologic quality of the seeds.
Triticum aestivum; bins; vigour
