This study was carried out to investigate the immediate effects of dehydration on the physiology in Euterpe oleracea Mart. seeds. Before drying the BRS Pará variety seeds, the seed moisture content was determined and the lot with the highest moisture content 43.4% was selected. The seeds were submitted to drying, in equipment with forced air circulation (30±2ºC), until the moisture content reached 37.4%, 30.3%, 26.1%, 21.0%, 15.1% and 11.9% and comprised the other treatments. The effect of dehydration on seed quality was evaluated by determining the germination percentage, mean germination period, emergence speed, seedling length and seedling dry matter weight. The dehydration up to 37.4% of moisture dids not produce immediate effects on the physiologic behavior of the Euterpe oleracea seeds, but over 30.3% there was progressive reduction in seed germination and vigor and when 15.1% of moisture content was reached, the physiologic performance was annulled.
palm tree; vigour; deterioration
