The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the germination of Passiflora cincinnata Mast. seeds using different combinations of GA4+7 + N-phenyl methyil)-aminopurin (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500mg.L-1) and ethephon (0, 25, 50, 75, 100mg.L-1). A completely randomized experimental design was used with 5 replications of 20 seeds. The seeds were imbibed for five hours under constant oxygenation. Later they were transferred to black "gerboxes", on two leaves of moistened paper, where they remained under alternating temperatures 20-30ºC (16/8h). The following were evaluated: germination (%), dead and dormant seeds (%), germination time and speed. The germinated seeds were counted daily for 44 days. It was found that the use of GA4+7 + N-(phenyl methyl)-aminopurin promoted increase in germination percentage and speed through the reduction of Passiflora cincinnata Mast. seed dormancy. Furthermore, ethephon when used alone, is not efficient in overcoming seed dormancy in this species.
passion fruit; dormancy; ethylene; gibberellin; cytokynin
