Morphophysiology of Germination among Seeds of Pau-rainha (Centrolobium paraense) Collected in the State of Roraima

Abstract

This work intended to characterize the seed morphology, water absorption patterns and to determine the vigor among different colored seeds of the species Centrolobium paraense (Fabaceae). For this purpose, samaras which were opened were collected from two sites-gua Boa (AB) and Taiano (TAI) located in the state of Roraima, and the seeds screened by the coat coloration (light brown/intermediate brown/dark brown) for four conditions (two sites and two years of collection). Evaluation of water absorption by the seeds at different periods, mass of 1,000 seeds, water content, electrical conductivity (EC), seedling emergence and emergence velocity (EV) were performed. The water absorption by the seeds of Centrolobium paraense indicates coat permeability to water and distinct absorptions according to coat colorations. The EC test is efficient in determining the physiological quality of seeds of Centrolobium paraense. Seed coat coloration affects the physiological quality of the seeds of Centrolobium paraense. It is possible to distinguish the seeds of AB and TAI into two degrees of physiological quality, the light brown-colored seeds being more vigorous.