Avaliação de métodos de quebra de dormência em sementes de “pirunga” (Erythroxylum bezerrae Plowman)

Abstract

Dormancy is a natural physiological mechanism, ecologically advantageous for the survival of the species under adverse environmental conditions, promoting the distribution of seed germination in time and space. Understanding the characteristics of seed dormancy is essential for the work of producing seedlings and planting species that you want to conserve and expand their productive potential, especially plants that have economic, and environmental potential and/or are in danger of extinction. Objective. This article aims to carry out experiments to break the dormancy of the seeds of “pirunga” (Erythroxylum bezerrae Plowman), a species threatened with extinction, aiming to obtain information that can be used in the production of seedlings for reforestation and/or taking advantage of its potential. economic future. Material and Methods. The study was carried out in the “Vale do Sambito” region, in the municipality of Valença in the state of Piauí. The seeds were collected, pulped, and subjected to four types of dormancy breaking methodologies (pulping, hydration, immersion in acid, and thermal shock). After applying these procedures, the seeds were planted and the number of individuals that germinated was observed. Results and Discussion. It was found that “pirunga” seeds have some degree of dormancy. Among the methods used to break dormancy, hydration, and immersion in acid for up to 20 minutes were the ones that showed the highest germination percentage of 75% and 60%, respectively. Final Considerations. It can be concluded that “Pirunga” has specific characteristics that control germination and even the tests that have a higher percentage of germination still showed low percentages of germination for large-scale seedling production for commercial and reforestation purposes.