Germination of seeds of the invasive plant Sesbania virgata (cav.) pers. under effects of light, temperature, and dormancy overcoming

Abstract

The work had as objectives to evaluate the influence of the light, temperature, and chemical scarification on the germination of seeds of S. virgata, species still little studied and that is invasive in several niches of the caatinga ecosystem. The seeds of S. virgata were collected in the municipal district of Natuba-PB in March/2008. Eight treatments were used as follows: intact seeds in the presence and absence of light, at 25ºC; intact seeds in the presence and absence of light, at 30ºC; submerged seeds in sulfuric acid for five minutes in the presence and absence of light, at 25ºC; submerged seeds in sulfuric acid for five minutes in the presence and absence of light, at 30ºC. The germination tests were accomplished in germination cameras under light and continuous darkness at constant temperatures of 25ºC and 30ºC, in a 12 hours photoperiod. The seeds were put to germinate in plastic boxes (gerbox) with filter paper. The seeds of S. virgata have tegument dormancy and show low germination tax when intact, which is a strategy for seed banks formation. The acid scarification increased germination percentage and speed germination index.