INTRA-AND INTER-POPULATION VARIATION IN SEED SIZE AND DORMANCY IN Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) Blake IN THE ATLANTIC FOREST

Abstract

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509820592Seed size and dormancy level were studied in 20 trees from two populations of Schizolobium parahybatoevaluate how these characteristics occurbetween and within populations, and whether seed germinationwas affected by its morphometry. These two populations are located in the coastal (Paraty) or mountain(Miguel Pereira) regions in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The seed morphometrictraits (length,width, thickness and weight) were measured. Germination with or without seedcoatdormancy treatment(mechanical scarification) wasassessedbya randomized emergence test in nursey. All morphometric traitsdiffered significantly among individuals and between populations. The trees from the mountain regionshowed a larger seed size and a lower dormancy level than that of trees from the coastal region. Seed sizehad no effect on seed germination or seedling development. Climate influence on the determination of germination behavior is discussed based on the results.