SEED METRICS AND INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURES AND PRE-GERMINATION TREATMENTS ON GERMINATION OF CAESALPINIA FERREA SEEDS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate seed metrics, optimum temperature for germination and efficiency of five pre-germination treatments for overcoming dormancy of Caesalpinia ferrea seeds. Seeds were subjected to constant temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C and to the following pre-germination treatments: nicking with pincers; immersion in water for 24 hours at room temperature; scarification with sandpaper; immersion in caustic soda for 60 minutes; and control (untreated seeds). Germination rate was assessed by germination percentage and germination speed index. A completely randomized design was used with four replicates of 50 seeds each and means were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. The best germination performance was obtained in the 15-30°C temperature range and by using chemical scarification with immersion in caustic soda, and mechanical scarification by nicking with pincers and by rubbing on sandpaper.