The present research was divided in two studies using Phoenix roebelenii seeds with moisture content of 21,83%. In the first, the effects of four substrates (vermiculite, sawdust, sand and Sphagnum sp.) and five temperatures (20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C and 40°C) were evaluated on the germination and SGI (Speed of Germination Index). In the second, the effects of these substrates were studied on the germination and seedlings (dry weight and length of the root and aerial part) under uncontrolled conditions with temperature between 27 and 28,5°C. The germination test under controlled temperatures was developed with 8 hours of light and 16 hours of darkness, in a box (gerbox). The a complete randomized block design was used in a 5x4 factorial scheme. Under environmental conditions, the experimental design had four treatments (substrata). The data of germination percentage were transformed in arc sen <img border=0 id="_x0000_i1028" src="../../../../img/revistas/rbs/v25n2/19650x01.gif" align=absmiddle>. The averages were compared by the Tukey test (= 0,05). The temperatures of 25°C and 30°C resulted in larger germination percentage, regardless of the substrate, while best SGI was obtained at 30°C, with Sphagnum sp. or sand. The Sphagnun sp. is the best substrate for most of the evaluated characteristics in the seedlings. The use of vermiculite is not recommended as substrate for SGI tests of dwarf palm seeds and seedlings.
diaspore; palm; temperature; speed of germination index
