Evaluation of quality of jeriva palm trees`s seeds by X-Ray test

Abstract

The Jeriva Palm tree (Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cham,) Glassman) is the most widely cultivated native palm tree in Brazil. Its propagation is sexually accomplished, but there is lack of information of production processes of quality seedlings. The objective of this research was to standardize the X-ray test in evaluation of the physiological quality in the seed of the jeriva palm. Eight samples of twenty-five seeds were used and were submitted with X-ray test in the Raicenter RC 300 Plus T machine in various times and intensities. According to the internal morphology seen on radiographs, the seeds were classified in four categories: perfect seeds, seeds with little damages (less than 50% of damaged tissue), seed with major damages (more than 50% of damaged tissue) and embryo not visualized. The seeds were submitted to a germination test for a period of 160 days in a temperature of 30 degree Celsius with a sphagnum moss substrate. The results of the radiographic analysis were: 60.5% perfect seeds, 22% seeds with minor damages, 10.5%, seeds with major seeds and 7% embryo not visualized. The x-ray test, the intensity of 37KVp for 25 seconds, is sufficient to indentify the internal morphology of the seeds of jeriva palm.