EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND STORAGE TIME ON VIABILITY OF ZAMOTA SEEDS (Coursetia glandulosa, Gray)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability of zamota seed affected by storage time, as well as to study the temperature effect on longevity. Seeds were harvested in years 2004-2008 at center zone from Sonora State and were storage during 0.25, 1.25, 2.25, 3.25 and 4.25 years. According to storage times there were significant differences P<0.05) in percent of germination (%G). The major %G corresponded to T1 0.25 years) with 96.5 of %G year 2008), falling to 0.0% in seed storage by 4.25 years year 2004). It was concluded that zamota seed lost viability since 2.25 years of storage. An important factor in storage was temperature, three conditions were proved; environmental 25 degrees C), cold 12 degrees C) and freeze (-4 degrees C), with the purpose of determine the viability longevity. The cooling showed the major %G p<0.05), with 76 %, while for environmental conditions it was of 48.8 %. The freezing affected negatively to the embryo, because all samples showed 0.0 %G, concluding than cold is desirable in longevity of viability.