Influence of seed size and shading type on the production of Muirapiranga seedlings

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of seed size and shading on the production of seedlings of Muirapiranga (Eperua bijuga Mart. Ex Benth.). Three size classes were tested: large (more than 95 g), average (75 g to 95 g) and small (less than 75 g). The two shading intensities (30% and 50%) were obtained by using black plastic screening. Seeds were also sown under full open sky (at 0% shading intensity). Neither seed size nor shading showed any influence on the germination of seeds or on the production of seedlings. Larger seeds grew into seedlings of greater height, diameter and dry weight both above and below ground. These parameters were not influenced by different shade levels.