Crambe seed germination under the influence of temperature and substrate

Abstract

Crambe, native from Mediterranean zone, belonging to the Brassicaceae family, is a rustic crop that e merges as a productive alternative, with a potential for the production of feedstock for biodiesel, with emphasis on its oil quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of temperature and substrate on seed germination crambe, FMS Brilhante cultivar. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial 2 x 7 (temperature x substrate) with 4 replicates of 25 seeds. The seeds were placed on substrates Germitest® paper and clay soil + sand and subjected to temperatures of 9°C, 12°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C and 35°C. Seed germination percentage and germination speed index were evaluated. The temperature of 25°C is ideal for testing the seed germination of crambe. Temperatures below of 12°C and above of 30°C are detrimental to the germination process. The substrates germitest® paper and sand + clay soil are suitable for testing germination, since observed temperature of execution. The use of paper substrate at temperatures lower than 20°C underestimate the seed germination.