Tetrazolium test for viability estimation of Eugenia involucrata DC. and Eugenia pyriformis Cambess. seeds

Abstract

The study aimed to adapt the tetrazolium test methodology to assess the viability of seed of Eugenia involucrata DC. (cherry) and E. pyriformis Cambess. (uvaia) freshly harvested and stored. Three lots of seeds of both species were used, being I (freshly harvested), II (stored for 15 days) and III (stored for 30 days). Seeds (lot I) of both species were immersed in distilled water for 24 hours and submitted to four preparation methods: whole seeds without seed coat and with ¾ of seed coat; longitudinally cut with and without seed coat (immersed in 0.1% tetrazolium for 4 hours). The most suitable preparation method was applied to the remaining lots, where three tetrazolium concentrations were tested: 0.075, 0.1 and 0.5% and three immersion time periods: 2, 4 and 6 hours. The tetrazolium test results were compared to the germination results. For the conduction of the tetrazolium test in seeds of both species we recommend soaking in distilled water by 24 hours and cut lengthwise on seeds with the seed coat. For cherry, the seeds should be immersed in 0.5% tetrazolium solution for 2 hours. For uvaia seeds, additional studies are recommended.