Efecto de la luz y de la escarificación en la germinación de las semillas de cinco especies de árboles tropicales secundarios

Abstract

We studied the effect of light and scarification of the seed coat on the germination of seeds of five tree species which are characteristic of secondary growth: Apeiba membranacea, A. tibourbou, Luehea seemannii, Trichospermum mexicanum and Guazuma ulmnifolia. The seeds were scarified in sulfuric acid or hot water for 2 or 10 minutes, then germinated in a screened growing house in sunlight and shade.

The seeds were not light sensitive. In the controls, germination was very low in both light and shade except in L. seemannii. A requirement for light did not develop after scarification.

Scarification increased percent germination in all species by either softening the seed coat or providing a high temperature cue. In L. seemannii, the species with the softest seed coat, hot water increased germination while acid decreased it.