ABSTRACT
The process of water imbibition by the seed depends on temperature and water availability, which according to the absorbed water retention capacity will determine the success of the germination process. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of water stress on the germination and vigor of ‘jurema-de-embira’ seeds under different temperatures. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 7 x 4 factorial scheme (osmotic potential and temperature) with four replicates of 25 seeds each. The osmotic potentials of 0, -0.1, -0.2, -0.3, -0.4, -0.5 and -0.6 MPa at temperatures of 25, 30 and 35 °C and alternated of 20-30 °C, under photoperiod of 8 h, were evaluated. Germination percentage, germination speed index, shoot and root length, shoot dry biomass, root dry biomass and total biomass were evaluated. Water stress negatively affected the germination and vigor of ‘jurema-de-embira’ seedlings from the potential of -0.2 MPa on, whose effects are more evident at the temperature of 35 ° C. The alternated temperature of 20-30 °C allowed greater tolerance to water stress for the germination of ‘jurema-de-embira’ seeds.
Key words:
Mimosa ophthalmocentra Mart. ex; Benth; Fabaceae; forest species; Caatinga; osmotic potentials
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