ABSTRACT
The Caatinga has a wide diversity of species with potential for exploitation, among which is the catingueira (Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul.) L. P. Queiroz), which is notable for its importance in the areas of timber and forestry. The use of rapid tests in quality control programs for seeds is an essential tool for evaluating physiological quality. The aim of this study was therefore to develop procedures for a tetrazolium test to evaluate viability and vigour in seeds of P. pyramidalis. Two procedures for preconditioning the seeds were tested: between moist paper towels and directly in water. In preparing the seeds, both manual scarification and cutting the seed at the opposite end to the hilum were tested. For staining, two concentrations of tetrazolium solution were used (0.075% and 0.15%) and three staining periods (30, 60 and 90 minutes), with the seeds being sorted into classes of viability and vigour. The experimental design was completely randomised in a 3 x 3 x 2 factorial scheme (harvest year x staining time x tetrazolium concentration), with four replications of 25 seeds. The tetrazolium test was efficient in assessing viability and vigour in seeds of P. pyramidalis. After cutting the opposite end to the hilum, the seeds were preconditioned directly in water for 24 hours at 25 ºC, when the integument could be removed. Staining was achieved by immersing the seeds in a 0.075% tetrazolium solution for 90 minutes at 41 ºC.
Key words:
Fabaceae; Forest species; Caatinga; Germination
