Efeito do tratamento químico na sanidade de sementes de espécies florestais

This study evaluated the effect of different fungicide and sodium hypochlorite treatments in reducing the incidence of fungi on seeds of native species of the Atlantic rainforest. The experiment was done using the completely randomized design in a 5×5 factorial with five levels of factor A (forest species) and five levels of factor B (chemical treatment and surface disinfection with sodium hypochlorite) with four replications. The fungal genera Fusarium, Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium were identified. The species 'Jacarandáda- Bahia' and 'Ipê-roxo' had lower fungal incidence, 1.0% and 1.3%, respectively. Except for 'Angico Vermelho', the fungicide pencycurom and sodium hypochlorite were not significantly different from the control in the species evaluated. Seed treatment with fungicides 'Captan' and 'Tiram' yielded satisfactory results in reducing the incidence of fungal contamination in forest species seeds.

Superação de dormência e influência dos fatores ambientais na germinação de sementes de Spermacoce latifolia

Understanding basic information on weed biology contributes to the implementation of appropriate management and control strategies. Thus, this work was developed to evaluate the germination of Spermacoce latifolia Aubl. seeds, an important weed in reforestation areas. The seeds were subjected to dormancy break treatments, in which the mechanical scarification, chemical treatment (H2SO 4 and KNO 3), heat treatment, and control, were evaluated. Three more tests were done determinate the effects of temperature (10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C), light filters (absence of light and red, green, yellow, distant red, blue, orange and clear light) and water availability (0.0, -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8 and -1.0 MPa) on the seeds germination and vigor. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications, and the experimental plot was constituted by gerbox plastic boxes with 50 seeds. The mechanical scarification (sanding) provided the best dormancy break, indicating that Spermacoce latifolia seeds have tegument water impermeability. The seeds showed higher germination percentage under conditions of mild water stress (-0.2 MPa) and the optimal temperature was 25°C. The blue light reduced seed germination.

Quebra de dormência em sementes de Sesbania virgata (Cav.) Pers

Forest species with hard seeds often pose considerable problems to nursery managers because their hard and impermeable seed coats hinder and delay germination. Therefore, this work aimed to determine the most efficient, practical and low cost methodology to overcome dormancy in Sesbania virgata (Cav.) Pers. Seed, a specie with potential for recovery of degraded areas. The seeds were submitted to chemical scarification by immersion in sulfuric acid during a period of 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes, mechanical scarification and heat treatment. After the scarification the seeds were submitted to germ test in germination chambers at 25oC and photoperiod of 14 h. Treatment with mechanical scarification showed the highest germination percentage (98%), followed by chemical scarification for 30 minutes (57%). The heat treatment in spite of obtaining a higher germination percentage than the controls had abnormal development of seedlings and is not therefore recommended for seeds of S. virgata. From the parameters utilized in this study, we recommend the use of the mechanical scarification to overcome dormancy of S. virgata seeds.

Germinação e vigor de sementes de crambe sob estresse hídrico

This study aimed to evaluate crambe seeds germination and vigor under water stress conditions induced by polyethylene glycol solutions. The seeds were germinated on substrate moistened with polyethylene glycol solutions, using the osmotic potentials of 0 (control), -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8, -1.0, -1.2 and -1.4 MPa. The seeds germination was evaluated by normal seedlings and root emission percentages. Vigor was evaluated by germination average time, relative frequency, velocity and synchronization index. It was observed that more negative osmotic potential caused significant reduction in crambe seed germination and vigor, and no normal seedlings was observed at potentials below -0.6 MPa.

Teste de tetrazólio em sementes de Copaifera langsdorffii E schizolobium parahyba

This research aimed to standardize the tetrazolium test for evaluation of viability of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. and Schizolobium parahyba Vell. Blake seeds. It evaluated the following methodologies: seeds scarificated mechanically and soaked up by 24 and 48 hours, with posterior seed coat removal and immersed in tetrazolium solution at 0.075; 0.10 and 0.20% for 2, 3 and 4 hours, 35 °C, the dark one. The evaluated methodologies that had been efficient in the attainment of satisfactory coloration, allowing the differentiation of tissues, and in the evaluation of the physiological quality of the seeds when compared with the germination test, had been: for the species Copaifera langsdorffii, seeds scarificated and soaked up by 24 hours, 35 °C, with posterior seed coat removal, submitted to the tetrazolium solution 0.20% for 4 hours, 35 °C, in the dark one, and for the species guapuruvu, seeds scarificated and soaked up by 48 hours, 35 °C, with posterior seed coat removal, submitted to the tetrazolium solution 0.10% for 4 hours, 35 °C, in the dark one.

Tempo de passagem de sementes pelo trato digestório de aves frugívoras, uma primeira avaliação no Brasil

The transit time of seeds ingested by frugivorous animals has important implications for the spatial distribution of seeds and their dispersal distance. Nevertheless, this parameter is rarely included in seed dispersal studies. In this paper, we provide information about the transit time of seeds of nine species of plants ingested by individuals of six species of captive birds (Turdus albicollis, T. amaurochalinus, T. leucomelas, T. rufiventris, Stephanophorus diadematus and Saltator similis). We found that (1) seeds are regurgitated quickly through the digestive tract of birds than defecated seeds, and (2) large seeds (e.g., > 5 mm in diameter for Turdus spp.) are regurgitated rather than defecated. These results corroborate other studies, but the relationship between seed size and transit time seems to be quite complex and variable, requiring more detailed studies on this important aspect of the ecology of seed dispersal and digestive physiology of frugivorous birds.

Formas de ureia e doses de nitrogênio em cobertura na qualidade fisiológica de sementes de trigo

Besides increasing productivity, nitrogen fertilization may have positives effects on seed physiological quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different forms and levels of urea in top dressing fertilization on the physiological quality of wheat seed genotypes. Seeds of three wheat genotypes (BRS 208, BRS Pardela and IWT 04008) were evaluated for four levels of nitrogen fertilization (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg.ha-1) in three forms of urea (conventional urea, urea with urease inhibitor and protected urea). The nitrogen fertilization was applied during tillering, 20 days after emergence. The seed nitrogen content, 1000 seed mass, germination and vigor (germination first count, cold test, seedling emergence in the field, dry weight of seedlings, accelerated aging and electrical conductivity) were evaluated. The IWT 04008 line and the cultivar BRS Pardela had seeds with a higher physiological quality than those of the cultivar BRS 208. The forms of urea and levels of nitrogen in topdressing did not affect seed physiological quality of the different wheat genotypes.

Sistema de reprodução, parentesco e tamanho efetivo em sementes de polinização livre de populações fragmentadas de Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. por análise de locos microssatélites

Anthropogenic changes in the reproductive population density can affect the mating system and result in an increase in selfing and correlated matings. This study investigated the mating system in small fragmented populations of the insect pollinated tropical tree species Copaifera langsdorffii, using microsatellite loci and the mixed and correlated mating models. Open-pollinated seeds were collected from 15 seed-trees located in a small forest fragment (4.8 ha), denominated Bosque and from 14 other seed-trees located in other small forest fragments of the north-western region of São Paulo State. No significant differences were observed between the seed-trees from Bosque (tm=0.933±0.028) and other fragments (tm=0.971±0.032), although these estimates were significantly different from 1.0, suggesting that selfing was occurring. Differences between multilocus and unilocus outcrossing rate were significantly high in both seed-trees of Bosque (tm -ts=0.478±0.05) and other forest fragments (tm -ts=0.475±0.018), suggesting a spatial genetic structure in those stands. The results also showed high rates of correlated mating in the samples, indicating that a good part of the offspring were full-sibs. As a consequence of selfing, mating among relatives and correlated matings, the coancestry within families was equally high in the seed-trees of Bosque ((Θ=0.237) and in the seed-trees of the other forest fragments (Θ=0.241) and the effective population size was lower than expected in panmitic populations (Ne<4). The results were discussed, focusing on the sample size of seed-trees to collect seeds for genetic conservation and enviromental reforestation.

Produção de sementes e comportamento germinativo de Tibouchina clavata (Pers.) Wurdack. (Melastomataceae)

In the process of riverine forest restoration, increasing emphasis has been given to the study of herbaceous and shrub species. However, for many of these we still lack basic knowledge, such as reproduction biology. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the production, seed germination and reproductive capacity of Tibouchina clavata (Pers.) Wurdack., a species of wide distribution in wetlands. Fruits were collected from different mother trees located on the southern coast of São Paulo state and, after processing, were subjected to germination under constant temperatures of 25 and 30°C, and alternated temperatures of 25-30°C in the first essay, and at 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40°C in another essay, and at 25 °C with presence or absence of light. 10 plants were marked and, in each one, the number of fruits per plant and seed number per fruit were determined to characterize their reproductive capacity. The species germinates over a wide temperature range (15 to 35 °C), and the optimum temperature was in the range of 20 to 30 °C. Seed didn't germinate at 40 °C and could be characterized as being of absolute positive photoblastism. In general, there were over 1600 seeds per fruit and 85.000 seeds per plant. The high seed yield, coupled with good germination percentage demonstrated that this is a species with high reproductive potential.

Mastigação simulada e digestão ácido-enzimática de sementes de leguminosas forrageiras tropicais

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of simulated chewing in the laboratory on the survival of seeds of four tropical forage legumes (butterfly pea, Clitorea ternatea; estilosantes, Stylosanthes capitata/S. macrocephala 'Campo Grande; archer, Macrotyloma axillare and perennial soybean, Neonotonia wightii) submitted to different periods of acid enzymatic digestion in vitro. Three trials were conducted to observe the percentage of destroyed seeds by the mastication; to compare the germination of the seeds (intact seeds, simulated mastication, scarification with sandpaper, mastication and scarification with sandpaper). And, finally the seeds were incubated at 39oC with hydrochloric acid and pepsin for: 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours. The percentages of not destroyed seeds in mastication (archer, 91,5; perennial soybean, 88.0; butterfly pea, 82.1, and estilo, 81.1), associated with the beneficial effects of scarification on germination (64.7, 60.0, 92.0 e 87.3%, respectively) and the effects of time of acid-enzymatic digestion (75% higher if they stay 24 hours in HCl + pepsin) associated to the hard and not permeable coats of legume seeds, allow a high potential for resistance, and to pass intact through the digestive tract of cattle, being able to germinate when defecated in the pastures. However, estilo should not be included in the feeding of cattle for this purpose, because it do not resists the acid-enzyme digestion.

Temperatura, escarificação mecânica e substrato na germinação de sementes das palmeiras juçara e açaí

The propagation of 'juçara' and 'açaí' is done by seeds, but there is a great desuniformity in the germination process. In this way, the objective of this study was to verify the effect of temperature, mechanical scarification and substrate on seed germination of both species. Two experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design, with four replications each consisting of 25 seeds. The first was conducted with 14 treatments in factorial scheme 7 x 2, seven temperatures (20, 25, 30, 35, 20-30 and 25-35 °C and natural condition), with and without mechanical scarification. The second was constituted of eight treatments in factorial scheme 4 x 2, four substrates (sand, vermiculite, coconut fiber and soil + manure), with and without mechanical scarification. Seeds of 'juçara' palm present the highest mean percentage and germination speed index in alternating temperatures of 20-30 and 25-35 °C and natural condition and in substrates sand, vermiculite and coconut fiber. Temperatures of 30, 35, 20-30 and 25-35 °C and natural condition in all substrates tested were the most favorable condition for 'açai' seeds. The scarification of the seeds was favorable to the germination process of 'juçara' whereas the seeds of açaí does not need to be scarified.

Germinação de sementes de algodoeiro provenientes de plantas submetidas a diferentes densidades larvais do curuquerê-do-algodoeiro

The cotton crop yield is directly associated with the efficient control of pests. This work evaluated the relationship of different densities of A. argillacea per plant at different cotton plant ages with seed germination of four cotton cultivars: IAC 25, Delta Opal, Fibermax 993, and Fibermax 966. A randomized block design was set up in 4x3 factorial with four replications. Densities of larvae per plant (0, 2, 4, and 6 larvae) was the major factor while plant ages (30, 60 and 90 days after emergency - DAE) the second level factor. Larvae were released on plants with 30, 60 and 90 DAE. The seeds were manually picked, for the evaluation of the germination in the laboratory using the seed viability through sand emergency method. The results showed that studied cotton cultivars differently to defoliate caused by A. argillacea larvae; the cotton development stage had more influence in the physiologic quality of the seeds than the defoliation; the germination is negatively affected when the defoliation took place at 60 DAE.

Caracterização morfométrica de sementes e plântulas e germinação de anadenanthera macrocarpa (benth.) brenan

Anadenanthera macrocarpa (Benth.) Brenan is a tree species belonging to the family Leguminosae-Mimosoideae which is popularly known as mimosa-black. It features characteristics of early successional, natural occurrence in Brazil and can form clusters almost homogeneous, with great potential in the recovery of degraded areas. This study was conducted at the Center for Agricultural Sciences, University Federal of Alagoas state, aiming at the physical and morphological characterization of seeds, describing the various stages of post-seminal development, and to evaluate various conditions of temperature and substrate to perform the test germination. The seeds were manually extracted, then homogenized, where two samples of 50 seeds were used to determine the initial moisture. Another sample, consisting of eight repetitions of 100 seeds was used to measure the biometry and the number of seeds per fruit. The morphological characterization and the seeds were immersed in distilled water to allow the cuts to the observed structure in microscopes. In the post-seminal study, it was observed the daily processes of seedling growth in rolled paper filter and constant temperature of 30 °C. To assess the germination behavior, the constant temperatures of 15 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C and 20-30 °C as well as the paper and the sand substrates were tested and it was evaluated the percentage, the rate of germination, the relative frequency distribution, and the tests conducted in a randomized design in factorial 5 x 2 (x substrate temperature) with four replicates of 25 seeds, and the averages compared by Duncan 5 % probability. The fruits of black angico show great variation in the seed number per fruit. The embryonic axis occupies part of the central region of the seed with axial and linear positions. The germination is epigeal and the seedlings are fanerocotylar. The temperature determines the 30 °C and the filter paper substrate provided higher average percentage and germination rate.

Doses e épocas de aplicação de nitrogênio em cobertura na qualidade fisiológica de sementes de milho doce

The amount and timing of nitrogen application can favor seed quality, such as increasing protein content, which is an important constituent for embryo development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of sweet corn seeds collected from plants cultivated with different dosages and timings of nitrogen top-dressing applications. Seeds of the BR 400 variety (Super Sweet) were used obtained from plants submitted to dosages of 0, 40, 80 and 120kg ha -1 of N in two top-dressing applications (vegetative and reproductive stages). The weight of 100 grains, germination, first count of germination test, dry weight of normal seedlings from the germination test, seedling growth, cold test, accelerated aging, tetrazolium vigor and electric conductivity and emergency speed rate were determined. Data was submitted to an analysis of variance using the F-test at the 5% level and second degree regression analysis. The dosage and time of application of nitrogen top-dressing did not affect seed weight or the germination of sweet corn seeds. An increase of the N top-dressing dosage, applied in the vegetative stage reduced the length of the aerial part, the root and the whole seedling.