Abstract

PEDROSO-DE-MORAES, Cristiano; SOUZA-LEAL, Thiago de; PANOSSO, Alan Rodrigo  and  SOUZA, Marcelo Claro de. Effect of chemical scarification and concentration of nitrogen on the germination and in vitro development of Vanilla planifolia Jack ex Andr. (Orchidaceae: Vanilloideae). Acta Bot. Bras. [online]. 2012, vol.26, n.3, pp. 714-719. ISSN 0102-3306.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-33062012000300022.

Vanilla planifolia is a species with a large commercial value; however, it is difficult to propagate due to low seeds germination. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the influence of scarification of the seeds by soaking them in concentrated H₂SO₄ for 60, 120 and 180 seconds, as well as different concentrations of nitrogen, on germination and plant development. Sixty seconds of scarification and 25% nitrogen in the culture medium provided the best results for germination and is a viable procedure for the commercial production of this species.

Keywords : In vitro propagation; orchid; seeds; Vanilla.