The objective of this research was to study the dormancy of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. seeds during the maturation process. The seeds and fruits were collected from plants in a locality called Engenho Bujari, city of Areia, State of Paraíba, Brasil. Seed harvest extended from the 105th day after anthesis (d.a.a.) to the 210th (d.a.a.), from August 9 to November 22, 2001. The parameters evaluated were germination %, dormancy (%), vigor expressed by the first germination (%), seedling length, and seedling fresh and dry weight. It is concluded that to avoid seed dormancy in this species the collection must be done 154 d.a.a., when germination and accumulation of dry mass is maximum.
maturation; germination; vigor and forest seeds
