Several indicative parameters regarding fruit maturity of Caesalpinia echinata were studied in order to establish the ideal harvest time. Ten matrix plants were cultivated in Moji-Guaçu, SP (22°11' to 1022°18' S and 47°13' to 47°20' WG), altitude between 600m and 730m. The climate of the region is classified as Cwa. Two hundred and fifty blossoms were tagged during the the peak blooming period for maturation analysis. Fruit-harvesting schedule ranged from the fifth to the ninth week after anthesis, with seven-day intervals. The following parameters where analyzed for each harvest: fruit length and width; fruit moisture content; seed moisture content (after natural pre-drying); germination percentage; seed, fruit and seedling dry matter weight. Fruit colors were also observed and used as a visual parameter of seed maturation. The experiment was repeated for three years. The germination tests were performed in Gerbox boxes, with vermiculite watered with distilled water. The seeds were set to germinate in B.O.D cameras, at 30°C, with a 12-hour photoperiod. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications of 25 seeds per plot in 1991, 1992 and 1993. The germination was analyzed on the 4th and 8th days after seeding. The results showed that the ideal harvest time for Brazil-wood fruits is at the pre-dispersion stage, which can be identified visually through colors, when they change from green to chestnut-brown.
Caesalpinia echinata Lam.; Brazil wood; germination; maturity of seeds
