Fruit morfometry and germination of Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. BERG seeds

Abstract

This study aimed to quantify the morphometric variables of fruits and seeds as well as the effects of substrate and photoperiod on the germination of Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. BERG, collected from eight mature trees located on the western Parana state region in September of 2005 and 2006. Seeds extracted with the aid of running water and dried under shade. The fruits were separated into three stages of ripening. The color of the fruit was compared epicarp by Munsell Color Chart For Plant Tissues described as dark green, yellow-orange and orange intense. We evaluated seed morphometry as well as mass and water content of fruits and seeds. Furthermore, we germinated seeds from the three maturation stages in sand and on paper substrates with and without photoperiod. Germination was considered from radicle protusion radicle until emission of the protophylls, while the plantlet was considered established when the protophylls were fully expanded. Based on the results, we concluded that there was no significant difference in the mass of the whole fruit, the diameter and the length of the fruit. The fruits of C.xanthocarpa showed variations in moisture content decreased the weight from the first stage of ripening. It was found that the seeding on paper at 25 ° C was indifferent to the presence of photoperiod and promoted greater and more rapid germination. The greatest physiological potential was achieved in seeds extracted from fruit with yellow-orange pericarp.