Acacia polyphylla (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) is a typical tree species of secondary succession in Brazil, important for restoration of degraded areas. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the seed germination under different temperatures and light conditions. Constant (15, 20, 25 and 30 ºC) and alternating (20-30 ºC) temperatures were evaluated, at an eight hours photoperiod under white light. Constant temperature of 25 ºC was optimal and the light experiments were conducted at that temperature. Seeds were incubated in darkness and at photoperiods from 1 to 12 hours under white light (high red/far-red ratio), as well as at photoperiods under white light initiated and concluded with shade light (low red/far-red ratio). Germination percentage was not affected by the photoperiods under white light tested, but a photoperiod similar or higher than four hours was required for better initial seedling growth. Both germination percentage and speed was not affected by light of a low red/far-red ratio, but they decreased in darkness.
Acacia polyphylla; germination; light; phytochrome; temperature
