Effect of different temperatures on the germination of Callisthene major (Vochysiaceae)

Abstract

Knowledge of environmental conditions for seed germination and seedling formation of forest species is essential. The objective of this work is to evaluate the germination of Callisthene major seeds under laboratory conditions using six different temperatures (20, 25, 30, 35, 20-30 and 25-35 °C) and germitest paper (on and between paper). A completely randomized design was used with four replicates of 25 seeds per experimental unit. The variables evaluated were germination (%), germination speed index (GSI), average germination time (AGT) in days and normal seedlings. The results indicated that the species has a high germination index (above 94%) for all tested substrates and temperatures; however, the highest germination vigor (GSI and AGT) was obtained by alternating the temperature between 25-35 °C with the substrate on paper.