PHYSIOLOGIC DORMANCY BREAKING METHODS OF Caryocar brasiliense Camb.

Abstract

Caryocar brasiliense is a native species from Brazilian cerrado that has a considerable economic potential. The aim of this work was verifying the effect of substances with potential for seed germination stimulation. Seeds were extracted from the endocarps and set to germinate in paper rolls moistened with the following solutions: distilled water (Control); 2mmol L^-1 KNO3 (Nitrate); 2mmol L^-1 Etephon (ET); 1mmol L^-1 GA3 (GA), 1mmol L^-1 GA3 + 2mmol L^-1 Etephon (GA + ET). The germination and the germination mean time were, respectively, 54.0% and 9.3 days in the GA treatment, 47.3% and 11.0 days in the GA + ET treatment, 32.0% and 12.2 days in the Control treatment, 30.7% and 13.1 days in the Etephon treatment, and 20.1% and 13.1 days in the Nitrate treatment. Low germination rates were observed in the GA + ET treatment up to the ninth day from sowing, when compared to the GA treatment, what indicates a possible seed germination inhibition due to ethylene presence.