Seed germination is dependent on several abiotic factors including temperature. In this study, we analyzed the germination of seeds of Eugenia brasiliensis, E. involucrata, E. pyriformis and E. uniflora in response to diff erent conditions of light and temperature. Seeds of all species showed high germination values from 20 to 30 ºC. Germination of seeds of E. Pyriformis was also evaluated at temperatures higher than 30 ºC and lower than 20 ºC. The germination and the normal seedling development occurred from 10 ºC to 35 ºC, not at 5 ºC and 40º C. Results also showed that desiccation changed the limits for germination in E. Pyriformis since the most dehydrated seeds had the highest damaged in germination at suboptimal temperatures. Thermal time during development and maturation of seeds was also considered. The seeds of E. pyriformis from Lavras, MG, which received the greatest number of degree-days during development and maturation, showed better performance than the seeds from Campinas, SP and São Paulo, SP.
degree-day; light; Myrtaceae; temperature
