Germination evaluation in distinct temperatures and substrates, and morphology of fruit, seed and seedling of Sebastiania brasiliensis

Abstract

Abstract

Due the lack of surveys/researches regarding native forest seeds, this study aimed to identify the main morphological and germination features/patterns of Sebastiania brasiliensis (Spreng.). For the morphological description, it was observed the internal and external features of fruits and seeds and early seedling development. We tested germination in two substrates (sand and vermiculite) and three temperatures (25 ºC, 30 ºC and 35 ºC). The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 x 3 factorial with five replications, aiming to calculate the percentage, rate index and average time of germination. The fruit is a capsule with three cokes (one seed per coke). The seed is endospermic; testa is glabrous, brown with small spots. The axial embryo is foliaceous and spatulate. Seedlings have phanerocotylar epigeal development with foliaceous photosynthetic cotyledons. Seeds planted in vermiculite under 30 ºC of temperature revealed the best germination (86%), and an IVG of 7.05; the best average time was 3.39 at 25 ºC in vermiculite. As conclusion, vermiculite with 30 ºC of temperature led to better germination, and the morphology indicates typical characteristics for the genus Sebastiania.

Keywords: Branquilho-leiteiro; germination analysis; morphological characterization.