Soluble sugars and germination of Annona emarginata (Schltdl.) H. Rainer seeds submitted to immersion in GA3 up to different water contents

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different water contents achieved by Annona emarginata (Schltdl.) H. Rainer seeds during immersion in GA3 solutions, in variation of soluble sugars levels and germination. Seeds with 10% of initial water content were submitted to imbibition in GA3 solutions with concentrations of 0; 250; 500; 750 and 1000 mg L-1 and when they reached the water content of 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 35%, the quantification of soluble sugars levels and germination test were performed. Seeds immersed up to they reach 15% of water with GA3 and immersed up to the water acquisition of 20% without GA3, presented higher soluble sugars levels and germination percentage, which were decreased when the seeds reached 30% and 35% of water, independently of the presence of the plant growth regulator. It was conclude that different water contents reached by the seeds in immersion treatments with GA3 affect the soluble sugars levels and germination percentage of Annona emarginata seeds. Thus, in treatments with Annona emarginata, the seeds must remain immersed in water without GA3 up to they reach 20% of water, as higher water contents (35%) reduce the soluble sugars levels and the seed germination percentage.