Testes de germinação Enterolobium gummiferum

Abstract

Seed development involves three distinct phases: histodifferentiation, maturation and desiccation. Germination, essential for plant growth, is influenced by internal and external factors. The seed of the cerrado monkfish (Enterolobium gummiferum Mart. J.F. Macbr) has a poorly permeable tegument and its dormancy is overcome naturally through passage through the digestive tract of animals. The objective of the present study focused on the germination of Cerrado monkfish under different treatments, aiming to overcome its dormancy and facilitate its development. The following treatments were used: seed soaking for 24 hours, mechanical scarification and control. A low germination rate of the species was observed (only 14.8%), with only the experiment with mechanical scarification showing germination and many seeds fungused. Therefore, there is a need for more studies on the breaking of dormancy and germination of monkfish, as this is a species of great ecological importance in the Cerrado, both for fauna and flora, and which has diverse uses by local communities.