Germination of Pomegranate Seeds under Sarcotesta Extraction Methods and Drying

Abstract

Aiming to evaluate the effect of degumming methods and natural drying, as well as, the influence of different periods of seeds in quicklime solution on Punica granatum L. germination, were conducted two experiments. At first, the seeds from ripe fruits were subjected to the following sarcotesta extraction: natural fermentation at room temperature, during 72 hours; immersion in quicklime (CaO), during 24 hours; and non-degumming, taken as control. For the second experiment, the extraction method was carried out by the following mixture: seeds, quicklime, and distilled water; differing the immersion period (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 hours). In both, the experimental design was completely randomized, performing the water content and germination test. The quicklime method is efficient to degrade and to eliminate the sarcotesta on P. granatum seeds, and the drying process provides a better germination. In addition, there is a linear increase on seed physiological quality when upgrades the immersion period in quicklime solution.