This study had as objective to investigate different conditions of substrate and temperature regime of Cnidosculus phyllacanthus. Two experiments were carried out and the germination tests were conducted with an eight-hour photoperiod. In the first experiment four substrates were tested (on filter paper, on sand and on vermiculite, as well as rolled paper) and two temperature regimes: constant (25º and 30ºC) and alternating (20-30º and 25-35ºC). The results showed that: the better germination behaviour was found under the regime of alternating temperature (20-30ºC), seed germination capacity was not affected by the tested substrates; and vermiculite showed advantages of practical aspects for use as substrate. In the second experiment alternating temperatures with amplitudes of 5ºC (30-35ºC), 10ºC 20-30º and 25-35ºC) and 15ºC (20-35ºC) were tested. The results showed that amplitudes of 10º and 15ºC, when the lower temperature was 20ºC (20-30º and 20-35ºC), favoured seed germination.
Forest specie; seed analysis; physiological quality
