Bromelia serra Griseb. (Bromeliaceae) is a terrestrial herb that grows in the understory of Chaco and Cerrado woodlands. In this study, the effects of temperature, light environment and scarification on seed germination were analyzed. Two temperature regimes (15/20 ºC and 20/30 ºC), three light environments (Light, Filter and Darkness; 100% light and 0.65 R:FR, 100% light and 0.09 R:FR, and without light, respectively) and two scarification treatments (Scarification for 1 min. with H2SO4 at 30% and Control without scarification). Temperature was a key factor because germination was only recorded (a small fraction of seeds and very slowly) at the 20/30 ºC treatment. Seeds were indifferent to light intensity, germinating at full light, as well as at darkness. Light quality affected seed germination, with higher germination percentage at high R:FR. No effect of scarification on seed germination was recorded. The results of this work provide basic information about seed germination that could be useful for the management of this species.
light quality; Chaco; dormancy; herbaceous seeds; management
