Qualidade de sementes salvas de trigo na região das Missões – RS

The practice of saving seeds means that part of the harvested grain remains on the farm and serves to the next crop propagation. This activity is protected by law and widely performed in wheat fields in the region of Missoes, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. However, farmers in the region have a little knowledge regarding the quality of the seeds used on the property. Due to this unappropriated storage handling, quality losses may occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of the saved seeds in the region of Missoes, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, before and after their storage by the farmers. Seed samples were collected two times: post-harvest (before storage) and pre-sowing (post-storage), in the same portion. The average germination values were satisfactory, above 80%, they did not differ after the storage period, with variability between portions. When seeds were subjected to accelerated aging, the germination was below 50%, and by means of the dry and fresh mass analysis it was possible to identify a vigor decrease, as well as an increase in the moisture of the seed after the storage period. It was concluded that saved wheat seeds in the region of Missoes, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul have satisfactory germination, but with vigor limitations, especially after storage, affecting the quality of the portion.