Controlled hydration of jatropha seeds

Abstract

Controlled hydration can promote the germination and establishment of the plants of various species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of priming, using a technique of controlled hydration followed by drying, on the physiological attributes and establishment of jatropha plants. The water-absorption curve was established per batch of seeds. Subsequently, the seeds were immersed in distilled water (8 mL g-1), dried at 32 °C until a water content close to the initial levels was reached, and subjected to tests for germination and vigor (initial counting, seedling classification, and the emergence of seedlings in sand). In the greenhouse, seeds were distributed in a plantmax substrate. From the results it can be concluded that hydration promotes an increase in the length and dry matter of seedlings, and favors the emergence of Jatropha seedlings. The survival of plants from seeds with only intermediate physiological attributes, benefits from the hydration of Jatropha seeds.