Abstract
Optimum seed germination conditions are crucial for the complete utilization of the potential of a crop. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of light, temperature, and substrate on the germination of Physalis peruviana L. seeds. Three seed lots were used, which were first assessed over a temperature gradient of nine intervals (from 15 °C to 35 °C) and alternating temperatures of 20-30 °C and 15-35 °C under a photoperiod of 8-h light. Subsequently, germination was studied according to the substrate used, i.e., blotting paper (on paper), sand (between sand), and vermiculite (between vermiculite), under 8-h light per day at a constant temperature of 25 °C or alternating temperatures (20-30 °C). Evaluations were conducted daily until germination stabilized, and normal seedlings were counted. The results are expressed in percentage, germination speed index, and mean germination time. The germination of P. peruviana seeds occurred within a wide temperature range (15 °C to 30 °C). A constant temperature of 25 °C and alternating temperatures of 20-30 °C were found to be optimum under 8-h light per day. Sand was the most suitable substrate, but paper and vermiculite can also be used as alternatives. Germination tests can be conducted on the 7th day (first count) and 14th day (last count) after test initiation.
Highlights
Physalis peruviana L. is an exotic shrub belonging to the Solanaceae family, which includes small fruits
P. peruviana seeds were purchased from the farmers of Maria da Fé and Camanducaia Municipalities, Minas Gerais
Color is expressed as RGB values; seed area is expressed as mm2; and circularity, which determines how round the Germination of Physalis peruviana L. seeds under varying conditions of temperature, light, and substrate seed is, was scored as 0 or 1 (FERREIRA; RASBAND, 2012)
Summary
Physalis peruviana L. is an exotic shrub belonging to the Solanaceae family, which includes small fruits. Most studies refer to the Andes as its region of origin (MORENO; FISCHER; SÁNCHEZ, 2012). The crop became economically viable because of the organoleptic and nutraceutical properties of its fruit. In recent years, there has been an increase in its cultivation in South America, including Brazil (FISCHER; ALMANZA-MERCHÁN; MIRANDA, 2014). The seed is the major form of propagation of the species (MUNIZ et al, 2014). The cultivation of P. peruviana is recent in Brazil, and there have been only few studies on its seeds. When sexual propagation is the main propagation form of a crop, it is essential to master the techniques that allow obtaining seeds of varying quality
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