Tetrazolium test in Tabebuia serratifolia Vahl Nich. and T. impetiginosa (Martius ex A. P. de Candolle) Standley seeds – Bignoniaceae

Abstract

The use of the tetrazolium test is very important for the evaluation of seed lots quality and may indicate vigor and viability, while corroborating with results obtained in germination tests, and in many cases, enabling diagnosis of seed deterioration. The objective of this research was to verify the appropriate methodology of the tetrazolium test in seeds of T. serratifolia (yellow ipê) and T. impetiginosa (purple ipê). Seeds of either species were submitted to imbibitions in a paper moistened with water for 12 hours. Seeds of three lots of yellow ipê were pre-conditioned, the seed coat removed or cut of, and immersed in 0.5% tetrazolium solution at 30oC for 12.24 and 48 hours. Upon removal of seed coats, seeds of two lots of purple ipê were soaked in 0.07% or 0.1% tetrazolium solution at 30oC for 12 hours. Imbibitions of seeds in paper for 12 hours followed by removal of the seed coat and by soaking in tetrazolium solution, 0.5% for yellow ipê and 0.07 for purple ipê, at 30oC for 12 hours, proved to be satisfactory for the evaluation of seed viability.