The objective of this study was to evaluate the processing effect over the physic
and physiological quality of corn seeds. This research was conducted at the Pioneer Seeds, Santa
Cruz do Sul, and at the Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil. Seeds of the single cross hybrid
32R21 harvested on ears were submitted to dry, mechanical sheller, pre-cleaner and cleaner
machines, width, length size and weight classifications. A total of 23 seed samples were collected
after each processing step in variable periods. Each sample was considered a treatment. The
evaluations were the following tests: purity, mechanical damage, germination and vigor (cold and
conductivity). Seed processing of the 32R21 hybrid affects the physic and physiological quality.
Mechanical damage is progressive and starts with mechanical sheller. Round seeds have higher
percentage of damage than flat seeds. Seed processing affects germination and vigor, when
associated with severe mechanical damage.