Seed germination of four Crotalaria species were evaluated after physical, chemical and mechanical treatments to overcome impermeability of seed coat. The most efficient methods to break dormancy were: for C. retusa mechanical seed scarfication followed by seed imbibition in boiling water for five minutes; for C. spectabilis seed imbibing in destilated water at room temperature and seed chemical scarification in H2SO4 ; and rinsed in tap water for C. mucronata mechanical seed scarification; for C. grantiana none tested treatments improved dormancy break. The dormancy break efficiency was measured based on percentage of normal seedling.
seeds; dormancy; germination
