Abstract
ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of temperature, substrate, and luminosity on chia seeds in order to determine adequate conditions for a germination test. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design, in a 4 × 5 × 2 factorial scheme (four substrates × five temperatures × two luminosity conditions), with four replications. The following variables were analyzed: first germination count, germination, germination speed index, and mean germination time. Germination was best at 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C for the on-paper, paper roll, and sand substrates. However, in the presence of luminosity and at 25 °C, the on-paper substrate had the highest mean. For all substrates, the lowest germination was achieved at 35 °C, proving that high temperatures reduce chia seed germination. Germination speed index was highest at 25 and 30 °C for on-paper, paper roll, and sand substrates, in both the presence and absence of luminosity. Chia seeds are considered to be neutral photoblasts. Germination tests should be performed with the on-paper substrate, at 25 °C, and with a duration of seven days. The first count should be carried out four days after establishment of the test.
Highlights
Salvia hispanica L. (Lamiaceae), commonly known as chia, is an herbaceous and oleaginous plant native to midwestern Mexico and northern Guatemala (CAPITANNI et al, 2012)
The test should follow a standard procedure recommended by the Rules for Seed Analysis (BRASIL, 2009), which is an official publication that regulates seed analysis, so that germination occurs under the optimal conditions of each species
The temperature of 35°C was harmful regardless of substrate, and in both the presence and absence of luminosity, and germination count was lower than 25% at this temperature for the between-sand substrate
Summary
Salvia hispanica L. (Lamiaceae), commonly known as chia, is an herbaceous and oleaginous plant native to midwestern Mexico and northern Guatemala (CAPITANNI et al, 2012). The emergence of new commercial cultivation areas has led to research on the cultivation priorities for the crop, such as the use of high-quality seeds, aiming at rapid emergence, and establishment of plants, all of which simplify crop management and lower the risks to the capital invested (HOFS et al, 2004). Understanding such an important seed for human health is essential, for the preservation of the plant species, and to obtain seeds of higher physiological quality, which is only possible when the optimal conditions for germination and development of the crop are made available. No standard methods have been developed for chia seed analysis, making it difficult to evaluate seed quality for this species
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