The objective of this research was to study the effects of thermal and chemical
treatment on Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu seeds. Seeds showing dormancy indices superior
to 25% and physical purity above 98% were submitted to temperatures of 40, 55, 70 and 85°C for
periods of five, 10 and 15 hours and to immersion in concentrated sulphuric acid (98%, 36N) for
15 minutes. Evaluation were then made in relation to seed health. Results showed that the heat
applied to seeds increased the occurrence of Phoma sp., Dreschlera sp. and Curvularia sp.; on the
other hand, the chemical treatment with sulfuric acid produced the reverse effect.