Artificial drying of safflower seeds at different air temperatures: Effect on the physiological potential of freshly harvested and stored seeds

Abstract

The air temperature used in the drying process can determine the initial physiological quality and storage potential of a seed lot, which is the object of this study. Safflower seeds, harvested at a moisture content of 25.8%, were subjected to drying in an experimental dryer at air temperatures of 40, 50, 60 and 70 °C until reaching a moisture content of 6.6 ± 0.6%. Immediately upon drying and every 60 days after that, up to 240 days of storage under uncontrolled conditions, seed samples were collected to determine physiological quality. Increasing drying air temperature resulted in higher water removal rates, promoting immediate and latent damage to seed physiological quality, evidenced by the reduction in the percentage and speed of root protrusion, first count, and germination, mainly at temperatures of 60 and 70 °C. For the maintenance of safflower seed germination and vigor up to 240 days of storage, it is recommended that drying air temperature does not exceed 40 °C, especially when seeds present moisture contents close to or higher than 25.8% at the drying moment.