ABSTRACT
Seed dormancy and the presence microrganism are important factors that can reduce the germinative vigorousness of seeds of Acacia mearnsii. The presence of fungi and bacteria in the seeds used in laboratory tests can infest explantes used in micropropagation. The objetives of the present study were to determine a methodology the break tho dormency of the seeds of the Acacia mearnsii, and desinfest the seeds. Seeds of Acacia mearnsii were autoclaved for: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 minutes. The control was treated with hot water (800C) for three minutes with: Benlate at 6%, hypochloride sodium at 10% and or alcohol at 70%. The assay was conducted in an incubation room at 250C (±3) and 12 hours with fluorescent light. Autoclaving of the seeds for 20 and 25 minutes were enough to break the seeds dormancy and simultaneously, to promote the black-wattle desinfestation. Periods inferior to 20 minutes were not efficient in the desinfestation of the seeds, although they have promoted high rote of seeds germination. The seeds exposition to the autoclaving for 30 minutes has promoted the seeds desinfestation, but it also killed the embryo.
Key words:
dormancy break; desinfestion; seeds; Acacia