Desiccation and storage in Adonidia merrillii (Becc.) Becc. seeds

Abstract

Palm species have wide use in the world as ornamental plants in gardens, parks and urban areas, and to support information on seed production of this family, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of drying and storage of seeds on the emergence and the initial growth of Adonidia merrillii (Becc.) Becc seedlings. The experiment was conducted in two trials, the first and the second would evaluate, respectively, the effect of desiccation (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 days) and storage (ambient condition and refrigerators for 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days) seeds on the emergence and early seedling growth through emergency percentage, length and dry mass of seedlings. The results showed that seeds with moisture content greater than 28% maintained the percentage of emergency over 92% seedlings, and seeds preserved environment showed higher viability to 81% at the end of 120 days of storage. Therefore, it is concluded that A. merrillii seeds are classified as recalcitrant and can be stored at room temperature condition for 120 days.