Effect of deep of sowing and light intensity on germination of 'mangaba' (Hancornia speciosa Gom.) seeds

Abstract

 Effects of five deeps of sowing and two light intensities on germination of 'mangaba' seeds have been studied. Seeding was done in plastic pots of 14 cm of diameter by 11 cm of height, filled with washed sand, at 0, 1, 2, 3 e 4 cm of deep and light intensities were 100% of natural light, in an open field nursery, and 50% of natural light, in an woven nylon covered lath house. Light conditions affected seed germination and mean germination rate per week. Germination averaged 32.4% and 8.4%, and speed of germination were 7.02% and 1.97% seeds germinated per week, at 100% of light and 50% of light, respectively. Deeps affected the mean number of weeks to germinate and the best result was obtained at 0 cm of deep with 4,06 weeks. Germination started at the third week, increased rapidly up to the fifth week, and became stable at the sixth week after sowing. 'Mangaba' seeds should be planted superficially at 100% of light intensity, to get the best results on final germination and speed of germination.