Maturation fruits and drying on quality of crambe seeds

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of maturation fruit and drying temperatures stages on oil content and the physiological performance of crambe seeds. Randomized blocks were the experimental design, with four replications. Harvests occurred when the plants reached 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% brown color fruits. After harvest, seeds were dried at different temperatures (natural and artificial air at 30, 45 and 60 °C). The seeds were evaluated for the weight of a thousand seeds, productivity, oil content, germination and vigor (count of the first germination and seedling emergence). Crambe seeds, FMS Brilhante cultivar, reach the maximum oil content with harvests made from 70% of total brown color fruits. Drying temperatures do not affect the oil content of the seeds. Harvesting crambe seed aiming at the highest physiological quality should occur when the plants have between 75 and 85% brown fruits. Artificial drying at 30 and 45 °C can be recommended for crambe seeds, favoring the production of quality seeds.