Seed germination of queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) is affected by storage and fruit ripening stage

Abstract

Aspects related to the control of germination in queen palm were investigated, including the diaspore morphology, water uptake and the effects of the fruit maturation stage and storage of pyrenes on germination. Pyrenes obtained from fruits at three maturation stages (immature, intermediate and mature) that were freshly harvested (FH) or stored for two years at 5°C were placed for germination at 30°C. Concomitantly, in vitro germination of embryos and the subsequent development of plantlets were assessed. The endocarp has an inner recess, which makes it practically impossible to remove intact seeds. The seeds are able to absorb water inside the endocarp. Pyrenes obtained from FH fruits at the intermediate or mature stages showed germination rates of 90 and 82%, respectively. Germination of stored pyrenes was less than 10% regardless of fruit ripening stage. Embryos cultured in vitro showed germination greater than 70% in all treatments; however, there was a reduction in the capacity for in vitro seedling development after storage. The decreased germination after storage was related to the reduced vigour of the embryos. The use of FH seeds from intermediate or mature fruits is recommended for propagation of the species.