Germination test of Cordia trichotoma seeds: a forest species native to Brazil

Abstract:

Cordia trichotoma (Vell.) Arrab. ex Steud. is a forest species native to Brazil, naturally propagated by seeds, whose quality assessment may be underestimated by the use of inappropriate methods for conducting the germination test. Given the potential use of this plant and the importance of conserving native species, the present work aimed to study parameters for conducting the germination test in louro-pardo seeds, during three consecutive years of evaluations. For this purpose, temperatures (20, 25 and 30 °C) and substrates (blotter paper, filter paper, sand and vermiculite) were tested in seeds collected in different crop seasons. The tests were carried out under a completely randomized experimental design, with four replications, in a factorial scheme for the germination test (temperatures x substrates), with the data obtained being subjected to analysis of variance and means compared by Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05). Germination percentage and speed index were determined, and seed health analysis was performed. It is concluded that the germination test for louro-pardo seeds should be carried out between vermiculite, at 30 °C, without light supply, with the first count carried out at 26 days and the last count at 48 days after setting up the test.

Index terms:
Cordia trichotoma; substrate; temperature; physiological quality