Siphoneugena reitzii D. Legrand: germination, quality and physiological classification of the seeds of a Myrtaceae from the araucaria forest

Resumo

The aim of this study was to describe germination methods, viability characteristics and physiological classification in seed storage of Siphoneugena reitzii D. Legrand, a Myrtaceae that occurring in high-altitude areas of the mixed ombrophilous forest. The seeds were collected from five matrices located at "Fazenda das Nascentes" – RPPN Serra da Farofa in the municipality of Urupema, Santa Catarina. The fruits were processed and the seeds exposed for initial characterization of the batches, with determination of water content, germination and vigour and counting and observation of empty or predated seeds. The S. reitzii seeds were tested for the best germination conditions on three substrates (sand, blotter and paper roll) and at two temperatures (20 and 25ºC). Once the best germination conditions had been found, the seeds were then subjected to physiological classification in storage, carried out by drying them quickly in silica gel until they reached approximately 10% humidity and then germination testing after drying. The results indicated that S. reitzii seeds germinate in up to 11 days, with good germination using blotting paper at 20ºC (69%) and a moderate rate with sand at 20 and 25ºC (55 and 57%). There were no obvious problems with predated or empty seeds, however, the seeds were classified as recalcitrant and sensitive to desiccation, as they completely lost viability after drying to close to 11% water content. This information allows for better selection of storage methods and seedling production of S. reitzii.