Physiological changes in rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) seeds during storage were studied
to better understand their loss of viability. Seeds were stored at 5 and 20°C, and a sample was removed
every 15 days to analyze percentage of germination, electric conductivity, content of oleic, linoleic and
linolenic acids, and proteins. The results showed significant changes in the content of linoleic acid, for
both storage temperatures, and also changes in electric conductivity and in the content of oleic and linolenic
acids at 20°C. There was a positive correlation between each of the three acids and percentage of germination
and a negative correlation with electric conductivity at 20°C. A positive correlation was also found between
the content of linoleic acid and percentage of germination at 5°C. In this temperature there was no significant
difference in the correlation between germination and conductivity for the three acids analysed. It was
concluded that the loss of viability for rubber tree seeds is partially related to levels of concentration of
linolenic acid.