Temperatura ótima de germinação de sementes de espécies arbóreas brasileiras (Optimun temperature for germination of seeds of Brazilian tree species)

Temperatura ótima de germinação de sementes de espécies arbóreas brasileiras (Optimun temperature for germination of seeds of Brazilian tree species)

Reforestation efforts have increased the demand for native species seedlings in Brazil, but germination standards have not been established for many species. The authors suggest that species occurring in different biomes and that species of different successional groups (such as pioneer) may require different temperatures for germination. They analyzed existing data on optimal germination temperature for 272 species in 58 families. Species occurred in the Amazon, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest biomes. The study found that 25˚C is the optimum temperature to germinate seeds of most species, and they recommend 25˚C for germination tests of species occurring in the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes and 30˚C for species occurring in the Amazon biome. While pioneer species do not require higher temperatures for germination, they do need alternating temperature regimes to break dormancy. Other requirements for germination, such as water, may have also affected the adaptation of seeds to germination at an optimal temperature, the temperature during the time most favorable for germination based on these other requirements.

 

Reference: 

Brancalion PHenrique S, Novembre ADionísia, Rodrigues RRibeiro. Temperatura ótima de germinação de sementes de espécies arbóreas brasileiras. Revista Brasileira de Sementes. 2010;32:15–21. doi:10.1590/s0101-31222010000400002.

Affiliation: 

  • Prof. Adjunto do Centro de Ciência Agrária, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Arara-SP
  • Prof. Dr., Departamento de Produção Vegetal, USP/ESALQ, Piracicaba-SP
  • Prof. Titular. Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, USP/ESALQ, Piracicaba-SP