Abstract

Effect of scarification, soaking and storage time on germination of Pithecellobium dulce. Rev. Fac. Agron. [online]. 2003, vol.20, n.2, pp.180-187. ISSN 0378-7818.

An experiment was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effect of different scarification methods and storage times on the percentage of germination in Pithecellobium dulce. The factors evaluated were 5 scarification methods (control, sandpaper N° 80 during 5 minutes and immersion in hot water at 60 ºC during 5, 10 and 15 minutes) and 6 storage times (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months). A completely randomized experimental design with factorial arrangement 5 x 6 and 3 replications was applied. The results showed a significant effect (P<0.05) of scarification method and storage on the germination percentage. Starting at day 15, differences between scarification, soaking and the control were observed while, at the end of the evaluation the smallest percentages registered were in the mechanical method. The highest germination values were obtained at 2 months of storage until day 7. From day 8 onward differences were not observed between 0 and 2 months, registering a significant reduction of the germination starting in the third month of storage. In order to obtain the maximum values in germination, the seeds of P. dulce should not be stored for more than 2 months, and scarification with hot water during 5 minutes is recommended.

Keywords : Pithecellobium dulce; germination; storage; scarification.