GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF Magonia pubescens A. ST.-HIL SEEDLINGS

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the germination, growth and development of Magonia pubescens A. St.-Hil. (tinguí or timbó), a typical species of the deciduous forest. The germination of seeds of four matrices was evaluated at different treatments: Direct sowing in greenhouse (50% of shade), direct sowing under full sunlight and moistened paper at laboratory condition and under fluorescent light with photoperiod of 12 hours in ambient temperature. The germinated seeds under laboratory conditions were transplanted to polyethylene bags with soil under full sunlight and 50% of shade. The variables evaluated were: time of the first and last germination, germinability; average time and the rates of speed of germination index. In addition there were evaluated the seedling height, stem base diameter, number of leaf and leaflets were monitored at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. The species presented high germinability at laboratory conditions (G> 90%) and under full sunlight (96%<G>56%), however, the germinability in 50% shade presented inferior result (G< 36%). The highest average values of seedling height (78.52 ±19.90mm) were obtained with 50% of shade treatement. The diameters presented no significant statistical differences among treatments (highest diameter of 3.35mm; p>0.05). The leaf and leaflets number varied among treatments, with highest average for seedling under full sunlight. Suggesting that Magonia pubescens A. St.-Hil. is a useful species for rehabilitation of degraded areas.