Seed germination in Tephrosia egregia Sandwith (Fabaceae), a species native to the brazilian Caatinga ecoregion with potential for recovery of degraded areas

Abstract

ABSTRACT Tephrosia egregia Sandwith is a species that develops in some States of the Northeast region of Brazil. It is propagated by seeds and has considerable potential for restoration. Thus, studies related to seed germination are important for the species. The aims were to characterize the post-seminal development and evaluate the germination response of the seeds under different temperatures and water stress and salt stress. Germination tests were performed at 20, 25, 30 and 20-30 °C and under PEG 6000 and NaCl concentrations (-0.2, -0.4, -0.6 and -0.8 MPa). The germination test should be conducted in a paper roll at 25 ºC for 14 days. Seed germination declines from the water potential of -0.2 MPa on; the species is sensitive to water stress. Under salt stress, there is more accentuated decline in germination as from -0.4 MPa, and this is an indication have a certain tolerance to salinity.