Chemical and Mechanical Scarification as Techniques for Overcoming Dormance in Red Tent Seeds (Adenanthera pavonina L.)

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluate chemical and mechanical scarification techniques, as methods for overcoming dormancy in red vine seeds.   Theoretical Framework: Based on scientific articles found on search engines and books in the field of seeds, types of forest seeds, types of dormancy in forest seeds and techniques for overcoming dormancy. In order to support the explanation of how techniques for overcoming dormancy are related to the rate and time of germination of red seed seeds, and how germination time can subsequently affect the quantity of seedlings produced, as well as their initial growth.   Method: The experiment was installed to test the following treatments: T0 – without scarification; T1 – mechanical scarification; T2 chemical scarification with 80% H2SO4 for half an hour; T3 – chemical scarification with 80% H2SO4 for one hour; T4 – chemical scarification with 0.4% KNO3 for half an hour; T5 – chemical scarification with 0.4% KNO3 for one hour. The design used was completely randomized, with six treatments, five replications and 20 seeds in each replication. At the end of 30 days, counting from the beginning of germination, the following variables were evaluated: germination speed index (IVG), average germination time (TMG), germination percentage (G) and germination speed index (IVG).   Results and Conclusion: The most efficient methods for germinating the red tent seeds were mechanical scarification with sandpaper and immersion in 0.4% KNO3 for half an hour. However, mechanical scarification would be the most easily used and least expensive method for producing seedlings in nurseries.   Research Implications: These results indicate that the mechanical scarification technique is an efficient method for overcoming the dormancy of the red tent, which is integumentary. Understanding the most efficient and effective techniques for overcoming dormancy in seeds of species that present this characteristic is important to allow, within the nursery, germination to occur quickly and uniformly. Consequently, making it possible to obtain seedlings with more uniform sizes, even though these are produced from seeds.   Originality/Value: A high germination rate and uniform initial growth are important factors within the nursery, especially if it is of a commercial nature, but also for the restoration of areas, because it allows seedlings to be obtained in less time.