Effects of Temperature, Substrate and Luminosity Conditions on Chia Seed Germination

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of temperature, substrate, and luminosity on chia seeds in order to determine adequate conditions for a germination test. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design, in a 4 × 5 × 2 factorial scheme (four substrates × five temperatures × two luminosity conditions), with four replications. The following variables were analyzed: first germination count, germination, germination speed index, and mean germination time. Germination was best at 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C for the on-paper, paper roll, and sand substrates. However, in the presence of luminosity and at 25 °C, the on-paper substrate had the highest mean. For all substrates, the lowest germination was achieved at 35 °C, proving that high temperatures reduce chia seed germination. Germination speed index was highest at 25 and 30 °C for on-paper, paper roll, and sand substrates, in both the presence and absence of luminosity. Chia seeds are considered to be neutral photoblasts. Germination tests should be performed with the on-paper substrate, at 25 °C, and with a duration of seven days. The first count should be carried out four days after establishment of the test.

Seed Germination and seedling formation of Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. at different temperatures and substrates

“…The substrate favors seed germination, as it influences essential factors such as seedling structure, percentage and speed of germination, aeration, water retention capacity, low degree of infestation by pathogens, biochemical reactions, among others (SORANA et al 2019). Besides, to choose a substrate it is necessary to consider seed size, light sensitivity, water availability requirements as well as facility during seedling formation analyzes (BRASIL 2009).…”

Vigor testings for evaluating the physiological quality of chia seeds

“…The germination test was carried out with four replicates of 50 seeds in transparent gerbox (11.5 x 11.5 x 3.5 cm) containing a sheet of blotting paper, moistened with distilled water at the equivalent of 2.5 times the mass of the non-hydrated paper, where they were kept in a germination with constant temperature of 25 ± 2 ºC (SORANA et al, 2019). Evaluations were performed seven days after the test installation and the results were expressed as percentage of normal seedlings (SORANA et al, 2019).…”

“…during the aging periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, using three temperatures of 38, 41 and 44 ºC. After each aging period, the seeds were submitted to the germination test, and the evaluation was performed four days after the test, first count day (SORANA et al, 2019). The results were expressed as percentage of normal seedlings.…”