Maturação, temperatura e quebra de dormência na germinação de sementes de sempre-vivas

Abstract

Given the importance of “everlasting” plants for their ornamental value and vulnerability to extractive practices, research to ensure the propagation of the species are indispensable. The aim of this study was to assess whether there is an association between seed coat color and the quality of everlasting seeds, in the presence or absence of dormancy in different temperatures. Four species (Comanthera elegans, C. nitida, C. bisculata, and C. sp.) were separated in relation to seed coat color and moistened substrate with water or 100 µM fluridone solution, in alternate temperature of 10/25 and 15/25° C and submitted to first germination count, germination, and germination speed index. The experimental design was a completely randomized, in factorial arrangement 4 x 2 x 2 [seed coat color (green, beige, red, brown) × temperature (10/25 and 15/25° C) × 100 µM fluridone solution dormancy breakage (with or without)]. In general, the alternate temperature 15/25° C is favorable for germination of everlasting plants. The use of fluridone is favorable to germination and seed vigor. The effect of seed coat color varies among species; higher germination and vigor values are seen in green seeds for Comanthera sp. and lower values in C. bisculata. For C. nitida and C. elegans, seed coat color does not influence seed quality. The use of fluridone promote and standardize the seed germination with different levels of physiological maturity. The alternating temperature 15/25° C is ideal to obtain higher physiological quality of everlasting seeds