Improvement to the physical quality and imbibition pattern in seeds of candeia (Eremanthus incanus (Less.) Less.)

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The objective of this work was to develop a methodology for seed processing and X-ray analysis and to study imbibition pattern in seeds of candeia (Eremanthus incanus). Seeds were gathered in 2001 and 2002 in Morro do Pilar and Lavras respectively, processed and stored in a cold chamber (5ºC/60%RH) until the start of experiments. In order to identify unfi lled seeds, a protocol was developed for X-ray use combining radiation energy (Kv) and exposure time (seconds). For elimination of unfi lled seeds, an experiment was conducted using a South Dakota seed blower whereby different opening settings and ventilation times were combined. Original seed lots and categorized lots following radiograph viewing were tested by germination tests, with seeds being cleansed in sodium hypochlorite and scattered over blotting paper in 'gerboxes' and then taken to germinators with alternating temperatures of 20º-30ºC and 10 hours of light, for up to 15 days. Imbibition curves were determined under the conditions 30ºC, 20º-30ºC/10 hours of light and 30º-20ºC/10 hours of light. The X-ray protocol that best allowed viewing of internal seed structures was 30Kv for 45 seconds. Seed separation using the blower setting at a 3.0 opening for 30 seconds raised the number of embryonic seeds to values exceeding 99%, also raising the germination rates as a consequence. The imbibition pattern is three-phased and the germination process is completed in 72 hours. Under alternate temperatures, primary root growth is favored.Key words: Forest seeds, X-ray test, seed blower, unfi lled seeds, germination. MELHORIA DA QUALIDADE FÍSICA E PADRÃO DE EMBEBIÇÃO DE SEMENTES DE CANDEIA (Eremanthus incanus (Less.) Less.) RESUMO: Conduziu-se este trabalho, com os objetivos de desenvolver métodos de benefi ciamento e análise de raios X, e estudar o padrão de embebição de sementes de candeia (Eremanthus incanus). As sementes foram colhidas em 2001 e 2002, respectivamente, em Morro do Pilar e Lavras, benefi ciadas e guardadas em câmara fria (5ºC/60%UR) até o início dos experimentos. Para identifi car sementes vazias, foi desenvolvido um protocolo utilizando raios X combinando potência de radiação e tempo de exposição. Para a eliminação das sementes vazias foi realizado um experimento utilizando soprador tipo South Dakota, combinando aberturas do aparelho e tempo de ventilação. Os lotes originais e as categorias encontradas pelas radiografi as foram testadas por testes

Imbibition, Germination, and Early Seedling Growth Responses of Light Purple and Yellow Seeds of Red Clover to Distilled Water, Sodium Chloride, and Nutrient Solution

“…Additionally, seeds of both morphs start imbibing very rapidly (1-2 h after being put in contact with water) and thereafter completed Phase I in less than 18 h, much less than in a number of other species belonging to Fabaceae [26][27][28] or to other families [29], where values ranging from a little more than one day to several days have been reported. Conversely, smaller durations of Phase I, lasting only 5 to 7 h, have been reported in Fabaceae [30] and in other families [31][32][33].…”

Physiological quality of Moquiniastrum polymorphum seeds processed with a general seed blower

“…The efficiency of using a seed blower was also verified in seeds of Asteraceae trees. In studies by Tonetti et al (2006) andFeitosa et al (2009) on Eremanthus erythropappus, and by Davide et al (2011) on Eremanthus incanus (Less. ), seed lots processed by a seed blower, compared to seed lots not processed by a seed blower, comprised the highest number of filled seeds, due to the efficient removal of unfilled and malformed seeds, and therefore increasing the percentage of seed germination.…”