Sequential germinations in Eugenia spp. seeds

ABSTRACT

Environmental unfavorable Unfavorable environmental conditions for germination, which is lethal to most of the recalcitrant seeds, may result in the death of the first seedlings produced by Eugenia seeds. However, these conditions do not prevent propagation because even fragmentsof these seeds can germinate and produce seedlings. This could be an important and interesting evolutionary strategy for species survival that was investigated in this research. Eugenia seeds were germinated and up to the third developed radicle and/or seedling was eliminated so that the remaining tissue was taken to germination again. Seeds were able to produce new roots and seedlings until the third radicle/seedling produced was removed, or even when half of the seed was initially removed. This result confirms the regeneration as an important evolutionary strategy that contributes with Eugenia species perpetuation.

Keywords:
ecological strategy; propagation; recalcitrant seeds