Gallesia integrifolia is a native tree species in Brazil, important for wood production. This work was carried out in laboratory in order to recommend the conditions for standard germination test and to predict the seed germinative behavior under natural conditions. Seeds were submitted to constant (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 ºC) and alternating (20-30 ºC) temperature regimes, in darkness and at an eight hours photoperiod under white, red and far-red light. Vermiculite (30 g) was used as substrate moistened with 45, 90 and 135 mL of distilled water. Both seed germination total percentage and speed index were evaluated. The obtained results showed that seeds are indifferent to regime temperature and that at the best temperatures tested (20, 25, 30 and 20-30 ºC) seeds are insensitive to light. The standard germination test can be performed on vermiculite (30 g) moistened with 45 to 90 mL water volume at constant temperature (20 or 25 ºC) and at an eight hours photoperiod under white light. Seeds germinated at the tested temperature regimes, light qualities and moisture levels, and these results suggest that under natural conditions, seeds are able to germinate either under canopy or in light gap.
ecophysiology; physiological quality; tree seed
