Physiological potential of onion seeds stored in different packings and environments

Storage is a fundamental step for maintaining seed quality after processing. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the physiological potential of onion seeds stored in different packings and environments. Impermeable, semi-permeable and permeable packings were tested under natural environment conditions (+19 degrees C), cold and dry chamber (10 +/- 2 degrees C and 33% RH) and cold chamber (16 +/- 2 degrees C and 60% RH), at 0, 90, 180, 270 and 360 days. The design was completely randomized in a 3x3x5 factorial scheme, with three replicates. In order to evaluate emergency in field, a 3x3 factorial arrangement (packing x environment) was adopted. Onion seeds maintained their physiological quality when stored in impermeable packing for 360 days, regardless of the environment. The seeds' physiological quality was maintained in the other packings when stored in a cold or cold and dry chamber, with viability and vigor above 80% up to 180 days of storage.