This study had the objectives to identify and suggest methods for evaluation of the physical and physiological quality of candeia seeds (Eremanthus erythropappus). The seeds used in the experiments were collected in 2001 and 2002, in the district of Carrancas and Lavras in the State of Minas Gerais. The seeds were dried, cleaned and stored in semi-permeable bags in cold chamber at 5ºC and 60% relative humidity until the beginning of the experiments. To make the identification of empty seeds easier, a protocol for x-ray use combining radiation potency (Kv) and time (seconds) of exposition to radiation was developed. To eliminate the empty seeds, an experiment was undertaken using a South Dakota type seed blower combining the opening of the apparatus and time. For the germination tests, seeds were passed through the blower, washed in sodium hypochlorite and placed on paper in gerboxes. The first part was done on a thermogradient table and the second in Mengelsdorfii germinators. The imbibition curves were performed at 30ºC at constant light and at 20-30ºC and 30-20ºC/10 hours under light. The protocol for radiological evaluation that enabled better visualization of the internal structures was 30kv for 45 seconds. The separation of seeds by the blower at the opening 6.0 for the time of 30 seconds allowed an increase from 14.75 to 93.37% in the number of seeds with embryo. The results showed that the seeds did not display dormancy and when the empty seeds were eliminated, the germination percentage was higher. The seeds reached the maximum germination percentage at 14 days of imbibition and the best germination condition was alternate temperature of 20-30ºC with 10 hours of light. The germination studies revealed that germination also took place in the absence of light.
forest specie; x-ray; seed blower; empty seed; germination
