Morphometric characterization, germination and conservation of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L) SW. (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioidea) seeds

Abstract

The work had as objective to do a morphometric characterization of the fruits and seeds, to identify the best treatments to overcome dormancy, identify the best temperature for germination and also evaluate adequate conditions for storing the seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.), which is a specie used for live fences, windbreakers, medicinal applications and urban landscaping. It was determined the biometrics measurements (length, width end thickness) and embryo type, weight of 1000 seeds, number of seeds per fruit, color, shape and micropyle and hlium position. It was evaluated the effect of different treatments to dormancy overcome, temperatures of germination and storing conditions. The experimental procedures used were completely randomized with four repetitions of 25 seeds. The fruit of C. pulcherrima is a type of legume, dehiscent, polyspermic, with an average of 7 seeds per unit, which have an oblong-oval format, axial embryo, with 9.6 mm of length, 7.3 mm of width and 3.3 mm of thickness. The mechanical scarification of the seeds on the opposite side of the micropyle and temperature of 30°C provided the best results for germination. The physiological quality of the seeds was maintained for 270 days when the seeds were stored with 7% of moisture content independent of the package and storing conditions.