Tabebuia heterophylla (A.P. Candolle) Britton (Bignoniaceae) is a late secondary
tree species occuring naturally in Central and South America. Seeds of this species with inicial
100% germinative capacity and 5.9% moisture content were separated in three lots for storage.
Seeds of lot 1 were submitted to lyophilization and its moisture content was reduced to 3.4%.
Seeds of the three lots were packaged in impermeable bag. Seedlot 1 was packaged under dry
chamber condition, seedlot 2 under normal room condition, while seedlot 3 was packaged under
vacuum. After packaging, the seedlots were stored at normal room, dry and cold conditions for
489 days. Seed physiological quality (germination percentage and speed) was periodically evaluated.
During storage period, seeds had a behavior typical of those classified as orthodox and seed
conservation was not favoured by the vacuum packaging. Lyophilization was effective for normal
room and dry storage, but dispensable for cold storage of the seeds. Seed physiological quality
was better retained at cold storage.