Moist storage of Brazil nut seeds for improved germination and nursery management

Seed storage of species from the humid tropics is often problematic because of seed sensitivity to desiccation and low temperatures, conditions traditionally considered necessary for long-term seed storage. In this study, Brazil nut seeds from 10 families were stored for five-and-a-half months under moist conditions at warm ambient temperatures. A randomized complete block design was employed for analysis of seed moisture content and germination, with storage and family as the main treatment factors. Moist storage of Brazil nut seeds clearly improved germination and can greatly facilitate nursery management. Seeds that were stored and then had testas removed germinated more quickly (Day 14 versus Day 60), exhibited greater percentage germination (74.8 versus 53.5%), and a reduction in seed deterioration (25.2 versus 46.5%). Storage also improved germination rate, and no seeds germinated prematurely while in storage. Moist storage improved germination of some families more than others such that stored seeds exhibited more uniform germination across all families. The delayed and prolonged germination of nonstored seeds may be due to endogenous seed dormancy that appears to be favorable for increasing the effective storage period of Brazil nut. During storage, embryo maturation may have taken place and/or a chemical inhibitor may have been leached from the embryos, resulting in improved Brazil nut germination.