This research was carried out to evaluate the drying effects on germination and storage
of E. involucrata seeds. The fruits, obtained from Moji-Guaçu-SP, Brazil, were washed in running water
for the removal of epi and mesocarp. The diaspores obtained (seed + endocarp) were dried in the shade
by six periods (zero, 48, 192, 264, 456 and 960 hours). So, they were stored in cold chamber (8°C) up to
120 days. Physiological quality of the seeds were evaluated after each drying period and every 30 days
of storage. Germination tests were conducted with the diaspores in paper roll, at 30°C and evaluated
after 28 and 63 days. Initial water content (63,4%) of diaspores was reduced to 24,6% after 960 hours of
drying. The reduction of water content results in loss of germination (initially 90%), that reached 88, 68,
37 and 0% respectively to 51,4; 46,5; 41,7; 32,5 and 24,6% of water content. After storage, only the seeds
not dried maintained high germination percentage.