Variação intrapopulacional de características e da qualidade de sementes de Cryptostegia madagascariensis

Abstract

Invasive plants have several strategies that ensure their success in the new environment. Among these strategies is the plasticity of reproductive characteristics, as a way of adapting to new environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the variability and interpopulation resistance in seed characteristics of Cryptostegia madagascariensis. Seeds were collected in three municipalities in the state of Ceará (Acaraú, Itapipoca e Tabuleiro do Norte) and morphometric and germination vigor analyzes were performed in a laboratory setting Therefore, the seeds underwent an accelerated aging test, followed by a germination test, in order to evaluate their resistance to high temperatures (45-60°C) and humidity (80% RH) over a period of 24 and 48 hours. The results indicate that C. madagascariensis seeds have interpopulation variability in seed morphological characteristics. It was observed that seeds from the Tabuleiro do Norte and Itapipoca locations were statistically more resistant to high temperatures and humidity compared to those from the Acaraú location, also being affected by the collection site. It was concluded that interpopulation variability in morphological variables and seed resistance may favor the establishment of the shrub C. madagascariensis in different environments and hinder its population control.