Germination of Acacia polyphylla DC. and Aspidosperma ramiflorum Müll. Arg. seeds

Abstract

The effects of temperature, light quality and substrate moisture on seed germination of two Brazilian tree species, Acacia polyphylla (Fabaceae) and Aspidosperma ramiflorum (Apocynaceae), were studied. Vermiculite (30 g/gerbox) was used as substrate, moistened with 30, 60 and 90 mL of distilled water for A. polyphylla and 45, 90 and 135 mL for A. ramiflorum. Seeds of the first species were incubated at 20, 25, 30 and 20-30 ºC, in darkness and under white and green lights, while those of the second species were incubated at 25, 30 and 20-30 ºC, in darkness and under white, red and far-red lights. Both germination percentage and speed index were evaluated. Under all tested conditions, seeds of both species presented high germination, suggesting that the produced seedlings under laboratory conditions are able to establish, in natural conditions, either in light gap or under canopy. Under laboratory conditions, germination tests can be performed at an eight hours photoperiod under white light for both species, at 25 or 20-30 ºC with 30 mL of water for Acacia polyphylla and at 25 or 30 ºC with 90 mL of water for Aspidosperma ramiflorum.