Seed germination and seedling development of Caesalpinia ferrea Mart. ex Tul vr. ferrea in green house and germinator

Abstract

Aiming to promote seed germination of Caesalpinia ferrea Mart. ex Tul vr. ferrea, different germination methods were tested in order to overcame seed dormancy. The experiments were carried out in two environments: green house and germinator. Seeds were submitted to the following treatments: immersion in hot water (80ºC) until it reached room temperature; immersion in sulfuric acid (15 minutes); immersion in water at room temperature (48 hours); immersion in potassium nitrate (24 hours); abrasive rubbing with sandpaper; and non treated seeds. The variables studied were: percentage of germination, germination speed index and germination time average, and seedling above ground fresh and dry weight. A completely randomized design with a factorial (2x6) system was applied, and means were compared using Tukey’s test at the 5% level. Seed abrasive rubbing and immersion in sulfuric acid, in either environment; proved to be the best treatments not only to overcome seed dormancy, but also to produce the most vigorous seedlings.