Abstract
Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong. is a Mimosaceae tropical tree species recommended for heterogeneous reforestation of degraded tropical areas. "Timburi" seeds present low germination due to the high degree of seed dormancy. Different methods to overcome seed dormancy was compared: sanding, sanding followed by 24 hours water (25ºC) soaking, imbibition in boiling water followed by exposure to water at room temperature (28ºC), and concentrated sulfuric acid (5, 15, 30, 60, 120 or 180 minutes) followed by washing with tap water. All seeds were germinated in rolled towels at 25ºC and 12 hours photoperiod. Total germination, first count of germination test and germination velocity index were recorded. Mechanical scarification (sanding), chemical scarification (treatment with acid for 30, 60, 120 or 180 minutes) and mechanical scarification followed by cold water imbibition were efficient in promoting germination. For practical purposes, mechanical scarification is highly recommended for forest nurseries.
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