Resumen
This study aimed to assess the effect of drying, storage and insecticide treatment on the physiological quality of Guapeva (Pouteria cf. garneriana Radlk.) seeds due to the fact that there are no available studies describing germination in this species. Fruit were manually pulped, and the seeds were immersed in a 5% sodium hydroxide solution for 5 minutes and washed under running water for 10 minutes to remove the mucilage. The seeds were treated with fungicide, followed by treatment with insecticide and drying in a convection oven at 35°C. When the seeds had reached 12, 20 or 30% moisture content, they were removed from the oven. We evaluated storage at 18°C for 4, 8 and 12 months. Germination was performed in a Mangelsdorf germinator at 25°C. The seeds were counted daily to determine the germination percentage, the germination speed index and electrical conductivity. Seed viability was compromised when the moisture content was below 30% following dehydration, and the Guapeva seeds did not tolerate the storage conditions used in the study. All of the insecticides tested compromised the physiological quality of the seed. Based on these findings, Guapeva seeds exhibit recalcitrant characteristics.