Influência da maturação dos frutos na emergência e crescimento inicial de Copernicia hospita Mart. - Arecaceae

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of fruit maturation on the physiological quality of seeds and on initial growth of Copernicia hospita. Treatments were arranged into a 2 x 3 x 2 factorial, with four replications. The factors were made up of two fruit colourings (yellow-green and dark), three types of propagules (whole fruits, pulped fruits and seeds), and with and without soaking for five days and arranged in a completely randomized design. The observation variables were: percentage, speed and average emergence time; plant height; stem diameter; dry mass of the aerial part and root system. Dark colored fruits, regardless of the propagule type, and pulped yellow-green fruit, with or without soaking, are superior, having a higher percentage for emergence and speed index, and a lower average emergence time. Soaking the propagules increases the stem diameter and dry mass of the aerial part and the roots.