Seed Germination and Seedling Development of Anadenanthera Colubrina in Response to Weight and Temperature Conditions

Abstract

The aim of the study was investigated the effects of seed weight and temperature on the germination behavior, and development of seedlings of Anadenanthera colubrina. Germination was carried out using the five constant temperature regimes (20, 25, 30, 35 and 40oC) under photoperiod (12h) and two classes of seeds: heavy (≥ 0.095g) and light (<0.095g). The experimental design was totally random, with four replications of 25 seeds. The temperature was significant for germination percentage, germination velocity index and mean germination time. There was no effect of seed weight, and there was no interaction between temperature and seed weight for three response variables. Optimum germination for A. colubrina seeds was recorded in four of the five temperatures studied (20, 25, 30 and 35oC) for both heavy and light seeds. At each temperature, the average root length was similar and, the seedling dry weight was greater for the heavy seed class. There was no effect of temperature on the seed mass to the production of normal seedlings, except at 40oC. Variation in seed weight, in A. colubrina, can be a part of their strategy for increasing the probability of success of seed germination and subsequent survival of the species a regeneration niche.