Storage plays a crucial role in maintaining the physiological quality of a seed lot. In this study, we aimed to identify an adequate condition for storage of ipê-branco (Tabebuia roseo-alba (Ridl.) Sand.) and ipê-roxo (Tabebuia impetiginosa (Mart.) Standl.) seeds, and to evaluate methods to estimate changes in the viability and vigor of those seeds. Different groups of seeds were placed in polyethylene bags, Kraft paper bags and cans. The seeds were then stored for up to 300 days under laboratory, refrigerator, and refrigerated chamber conditions. Seed water content, percentage and speed germination and electric conductivity were determined at the start of storage and thereafter at every 60 days. The best T. roseo-alba and T. impetiginosa seed conservation condition was obtained with cans maintained in the refrigerator. T. impetiginosa seeds can also be kept in polyethylene bags, paper bags, or cans when stored in a refrigerated chamber. Seed vigor changes in these species are initially identified by decrease in the speed germination.
Tabebuia; seed preservation; vigor
