Substrate wetting and temperature on germination of <i>Melanoxylon brauna</i> Schott. Seeds

Abstract

Melanoxylon brauna Schott., popularly known as braúna, is a native forest species belonging to the family Fabaceae - Caesalpinoideae, which is used in construction, landscaping, and reforestation. In this study the germination of M. brauna were evaluated under different temperatures and amounts of water in the substrate. Treatments consisted of volumes of water equivalent to 1,0; 1,5; 2,0; 2,5 and 3,0 times the mass of dry substrate at temperatures of 25 and 30°C. For determining the effect of the treatments, the percentage and germination speed index (GSI) were evaluated. The results indicated that the amount of water in the range of 1,5 to 2,5 times the mass of the substrate were suitable for the germination of M. brauna at both temperatures, and the germination rate increased at 30°C in all water amounts tested. Thus, for conducting germination tests in laboratory for this specie the quantities of water from 1.5 to 2.5 times the mass of the substrate and temperature of 30°C are indicated.