This work aimed to describe the morphology of the diaspore, the phases of germination and to determine the most adequate substratum for germination and development of peach palm. Periodically, representative units of each phase of germination had been removed for the description of the sequence of the morphological events. The used substrata for germination and initial growth were Plantmax HT, sand, rich soil and another one with equal ratios of soil, sand and manure (SSM). It was evaluated the percentage and the speed of germination and the initial growth of the seedlings at 101 days after the sowing, on the basis of their leaf height, leaf number, length and width of the leaves. It was observed that the seeds are albuminous, with an oleaginous and hard endosperm. The embryo is lateral, peripheral and relatively undifferentiated, with conic shape. The germination starts with an undifferentiated mass of cells at the micropilar depression. Afterward that structure becomes cylindrical, with the differentiation of the shoot and the primordial roots. The shoot is constituted by three sheathings wrapping the primary leaf. They open themselves successively allowing the primary leaf to emerge. Among the substrata the more adequate ones for the initial grow of Bactris gasipaes seedlings were SSM and Plantmax.
Bactris; peach palm; seedlings; substratum; nutrients
