Drying temperatures of tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa Brot. ex Horm.) seeds

Abstract

Tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa Brot. ex Horm.) is widely grown in Mexico with non-certified seed. Little research has been done on seed drying and physiology. Seed drying is a fundamental process in production technology, and the temperature used can affect its quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different drying temperatures on the physical and physiological quality of seeds of four varieties (Tecozautla 04, Diamante, Gema and Manzano Tepetlixpa) in three storage periods. Seeds of each variety were dried in an oven until reaching constant weight at different temperatures: ambient, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 °C; subsequently, they were stored under ambient laboratory conditions for 0, 2 and 4 months. The experimental unit was 5 g of seeds. The study was carried out under a completely randomized experimental design with four replications. Physiological quality was evaluated with standard germination tests, and with the vigor test the germination speed index, total seedling length and seedling dry weight were determined. Seed quality was affected by temperature. When drying from 30 to 35 °C, the seeds expressed their maximum physiological quality, and above 45 °C their quality decreased. Tecozautla 04 had the greatest vigor, whereas Diamante had the least vigor and was the most sensitive to damage during the drying process. After two months of storage, the seeds showed the best physiological quality.