Storage of 'swingle' Citrumelo Seeds Extracted in Different Stages of Fruit Development.

The conservation of seed physiological potential during storage is considered as a priority in a system of citrus rootstock production.  The objective of this research was to evaluate the physiological potential of ‘Swingle’ citrumelo seeds extracted in different fruit maturation stages identified by green, yellow and yellow green coloration of pericarp and stored in a cold chamber. All fruits of ten trees harvested randomly within the field plot represented control treatment.  Seeds were submitted to moisture content, germination, seedling emergence, seedling length, seedling dry mass and Seed Vigor Imaging System - SVIS^® (growth, uniformity and vigor indexes). Evaluations were performed at the beginning and after five months storage in a cold chamber (5 °C + 65% R.H.) of seeds packed in paper bags coated with polyethylene (thickness 0.01 mm). Results showed differences in seed physiological potential and storability as influenced by the fruit maturation stages. Seeds extracted from fruits of yellow green pericarp possess higher storage potential in comparison to those from green and yellow fruits.