Effects of moisture content on germination of seeds of Hancornia speciosa Gom. (Apocynaceae)
1992
Oliveira, L.M.Q. | Valio, I.F.M.
Seeds of Hancornia speciosa germinated best at a temperature of 20-30 degrees C. The viability of the seeds during storage was short and the best storage conditions for viability entailed keeping the seeds in polyethylene bags. Seed viability was maintained only when the seeds were stored at a moisture content above 30%; storage conditions which allowed dehydration resulted in a rapid loss of viability (the seeds showed recalcitrant behaviour). Low temperature during storage did not improve longevity. A relationship between germination and moisture content was established, but when the moisture content fell below 25% there was a drastic reduction of germination. After 9 weeks of storage, even at high moisture content, seeds lost viability. Loss of seed viability during seed dehydration was associated with increased leakage of electrolytes and organic solutes, and reduced tetrazolium staining during subsequent imbibition.
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