Dormancy break in Bowdichia virgilioides seeds

Abstract

Seeds of Bowdichia virgilioides (Leguminosae) were submitted to the following germinative pre-treatment to determine the best method to break the dormancy at the laboratory: immersion in sulphuric acid (98%) for 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes; immersion in water at 100°C for 1, 2 and 3 minutes; immersion in water at 30°C for 24 hours; and the control. Data were collected regularly and evaluated through percentage of seed germination, percentage of abnormal seedling, percentage of dormant seeds and rate of emergency. The results showed that the germinative pre-treatments increased seed germination; the greatest values were observed in seeds immersed in sulphuric acid for 5 and 10 minutes.