Morphometric characterization and functional traits of fruits and seeds of Neoglaziovia variegata (Arruda) Mez.

Abstract

Global efforts to restore ecosystems have increased the demand for seeds of native species, both from tree-shrub and herbaceous strata. However, little is known about seed ecology or germination of many herbaceous species from the Brazilian Caatinga. Neoglaziovia variegata (caroá) is a bromeliad endemic to this biome and has great ornamental and fiber production potential. This study aimed to morphologically characterize N. variegata fruits and seeds and to evaluate its germination-related parameters. To do so, the morphometry of bunches, fruits, and seeds was investigated, and seeds were assessed for physiological quality at two maturation points and light response. The morphometric measurements showed normal distributions and a wide dispersion from the central values. Therefore, there is genetic variability among individuals of the same population. The seeds showed high germinability, and fruits had an average size of 8.5 x 9.4 cm, whose color (green or purple) did not influence their physiological quality. The seeds of N. variegata are positive photoblastic, and their germination reaches maximum values after two weeks in the presence of light.