ABSTRACT
The aim of this work was to study the biometric changes and seed germination of Melanoxylon brauna at different temperatures. The seeds were germinated at constant temperatures of 10, 25, 30 and 40 °C. Seeds of the species were also exposed to temperatures of 10 and 40 °C for periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours and transferred to 25 °C. The germination percentage, germination speed index (GSI) and mean germination time were analyzed. During germination at constant temperatures, the biometric changes of length and fresh weight of embryonic axes were evaluated. At temperatures of 25 and 30 °C, 93 and 98% germination were recorded, respectively. On 10 and 40 °C germination was 5%. The GSI was significantly higher at 30 °C. The soaking of seeds at 10 and 40 °C with subsequent return to 25 °C resulted in increases in germination, compared to constant temperatures. The length and fresh weight of embryonic axes increased continuously and progressively during soaking.
Keywords:
Germination; Braúna; Forest seeds
