Hydropriming affects germination and survival of Piptadenia moniliformis

Abstract

Seed dormancy and cycles of hydration and dehydration (HD) are common factors that affect the germination and establishment of plants in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the application of cycles of hydration and dehydration (HD) in the seeds of Piptadenia Moniliformis to determine if this technique brings benefits or damages to the germination and survival of seedlings. For this, the seed lot of P. Moniliformis was characterized as biometrics and moisture percentage. After the soaking and drying curve, HD cycles [0C - control, 1C, 2C and 3C - soaking cycles at time X (3.5 hours) or time Y (11 hours) with 5 hours of drying] were applied to the seeds. Germinative parameters and seedling survival (%S) were analyzed. The seeds had a humidity of 7.05%, characterizing as orthodox. The average time for 50% germination was reduced in the cycles at time X. At time Y, the cycles caused a significant reduction in germination in 2C and 3C, as well as a reduction in seed vigor ranging from 49.28% to 79.73% in all cycles in relation to time X and reduced seedling survival. Therefore, the application of discontinuous hydration in phase II (time Y) is not recommended as an alternative technique to produce seedlings of this species.