Corn seeds of different sizes under drying methods and storage periods

The seed is the main input in the production process of the corn crop, and the drying process is crucial for maintaining the physiological quality and longevity of the seeds. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the physiological potential of hybrid corn seeds retained in different sieves under drying methods and storage periods. The experiment was conducted with corn seeds of the hybrid Balu 280 PRO, in a completely randomized design, with eight replications of 50 seeds, in a 5 × 2 × 2 factorial scheme, with retention sieves (24 M, 22 M, 20 M, 18 M, and 20 R), drying methods (traditional drying and gas drying) and storage periods (0 and 365 days). The variables analyzed were viability and vigor, based on germination and cold tests, respectively. Data were submitted for variance analysis using the F test (p<0.05) and means were compared using the Tukey test (p<0.05). For non-stored seeds, traditional and gas drying methods are independent for maintaining the viability and vigor of corn seeds. For seeds under 1 year of storage, the traditional drying method is better than gas drying to maintain the physiological quality of corn seeds, but the commercial standard is maintained in both methods. In both traditional and gas drying methods, seed storage favors the reduction of germination and vigor of corn seeds. Seeds retained on 22 M, 20 M, and 20 R sieves have greater vigor when compared to seeds retained on 18 M sieves.