Two experiments were carried out to study Stachytarphetas [Stachytarpheta cayennesis (L.C. Rich) Vahl] seeds (seedlike nutlets) germination. After harvesting, green and mature spikes were stored for 6-18 months. Seeds were removed from the spikes just after each storage period. In the first experiment, the seeds were incubated in plastic boxes with sheets of filter paper moistened with deionized water, set at 20º (night) and 30ºC (day), with or without a photoperiod of 12h, for 28 days. In the second experiment, those seeds were incubated in plastic boxes with sheets of filter paper moistened with deionized water or KNO3, set at 20º (night) and 30ºC (day), with or without a photoperiod of 12 h, during 28 days. The best germination was observed in seeds from mature spikes stored for 6 months. Light and nitrate favored the germination of seeds from proximal and distal position in the spikes previously stored for 6 or 18 months.
Stachytarpheta cayennesis; seed production; physiological quality
