How to improve germination in Caesalpinia paraguariensis Burk.

Author: Abraham de Noir F.   Gulotta de Maguna M.   Abdala R.  

Publisher: International Seed Testing Association

ISSN: 1819-5717

Source: Seed Science and Technology, Vol.32, Iss.1, 2004-04, pp. : 235-238

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Abstract

Caesalpinia paraguariensis is a hard seeded semiarid tree with a delayed germination because of their impermeable seed coats as in most of the leguminous trees. The aim of this paper is to show the influence of break dormancy treatments upon seed germination behavior. Thirteen pretreatments including a control were used, namely mechanical scarification, soaking in both boiling and at room temperature water for periods of six, twelve and twenty four hours, soaking in sulfuric acid for periods of five, fifteen and thirty minutes, and soaking in xylene for periods of five and ten minutes. Though a significant increment in germination percentage was observed in seeds treated with nicking (88%), this method is troublesome and consequently not recommended for its practical application. Soaking in sulfuric acid is advisable with large amount of seeds. It increases germination in 42% when applied for five minutes while longer treatments make mortality rise up to 100%.

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