Seed priming may overcome the inhibitory effect of low temperatures and increase
germination and seedling establishment in the field. The objective of this study was to compare
seed viability between primed and unprimed seeds during storage. Muskmelon seeds were primed
in KNO3 (0.35M) aerated solution for nine days at 25°C. Primed and unprimed seeds were placed
in aluminum bags and stored for 0, 6, 12, 18 e 24 months in laboratory conditions. Primed seeds
had higher deterioration during storage. After 24 months, primed seeds germinated 30%, whereas
unprimed seeds germinated 78%. Further studies of seed priming might allow improvements in
this process to achieve simultaneously maximum enhancement effect of seed priming and minimize
the deleterious effects during storage.