Dormancy of Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth seeds

Abstract

The degree of maturity of fruits and seeds can influence the establishment of seed dormancy. Thus, the present study aimed to verify whether dormancy of B. virgilioides seeds depends on the degree of fruit maturity. Two experiments were carried out: in the first one, fruits at two maturity stages (green and brown) were collected from seven plants located in the municipality of Conceição da Feira, BA, Brazil. Germination tests were conducted in a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme, with two levels of fruit maturity (yellowish green with purple edges and brown with blackish spots) and two treatments related to dormancy overcoming (without overcoming and with overcoming). For the second experiment, darkened fruits were collected from three plants located in the municipality of Cruz das Almas, BA, Brazil. Germination tests were conducted according to a completely randomized design with two treatments, seeds with and without dormancy overcoming. Dormancy in B. virgilioides seeds depends on the degree of fruit maturity. Dormancy occurs after the seventh week of floral anthesis when the fruits are predominantly black, dry and brittle.