Germination and storage of seeds of Virola surinamensis (Rol.) Warb. (Myristicaceae)

Abstract

The objective of this work was to study the germination and the storage of seeds of Virola surinamensis (Rol.) Warb. in laboratory conditions, in the State of Amapa, Brazil. Fruits were harvested in the "Ekinox" Private Reserve of Natural Patrimony, located at Macapa. Seeds recently harvested in the original seedlot showed 24% mean water content and lower water gain, during soaking. Due to differences in the size and/or weight, the seeds were separated in two groups: large and small. Independently of seed size, the highest germination percentage and the lower average germination time occurred at 30°C. Seeds stored under natural (27°C ± 3 e 75% ± 5 RU) or germination chamber conditions (20°C e 58% RU) showed viability lower than 2%, attesting the recalcitrant behavior of Virola surinamensis.