Seeds of M. maritima germinate at an optimum temperature of 25°C, with maximum values in light, the process being optimized by alternate temperatures of 25/35°C. Mechanical scarification promotes germination. In uncoated seeds germination is promoted and enhanced both in light and in darkness. Temperature and time of storage affect seed photosensitivity: positive photoblastism is lost in seeds maintained at room temperature for 90 days while being maintained in seeds kept at low temperature (10°C). The tetrazolium test showed that at 180 days of storage, 46% of the seeds remain viable. Topochemical analysis indicates that the main storage of these seeds located in the cotyledons is protein.
M. maritima; propagation; restingas; storage; light; scarification
