Sapindus saponaria L. is a large tree distributed especially in the Amazon region is of great importance for the reforestation of degraded areas, construction and manufacture of toys. The aim of this study was to test pre-germination treatments to overcome dormancy and to evaluate the effect of temperature and substrate on seed germination of S. saponaria. The experiment was conducted in a protected ambient and the Seed Analysis Laboratory (SAL), Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Two tests were developed, and tested first in the following treatments: seeds immersion in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) for 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes, analyzing the variables: emergence and emergence speed index, length and dry mass of seedlings. In the second test, was evaluated the effect of temperatures (25, 20-30, 30 and 35°C) and substrates (sand, vermiculite and coconut dust) on the germination and seed vigor. From the results it appears that the immersion of seeds of S. saponaria in sulfuric acid for 60 minutes is sufficient to overcome dormancy accelerating and standardizing the seedling emergency. The best conditions for testing germination using constant temperature of 30°C or alternating 20-30°C in vermiculite or only 30°C combined with the sand.
forest species; soap dish; dormancy; waterproof coat
