The germination of freshly harvested velvet bean (Mucuna aterrima) seeds was evaluated after "dry heat" treatments under 35, 45 and 55°C, during periods of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. The temperature of 55°C was satisfactory to overcome the impermeability of the seed coat, and the exposing periods between 16 and 24 hours were the most effective.
velvet bean; Mucuna aterrima; seed dormancy; dry heat; germination