Abstract

MORENO, Fernando; PLAZA, Guido A.  and  MAGNITSKIY, Stanislav V.. Effect of the seed coats on germination of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis Muell.) seeds. Agron. colomb. [online]. 2006, vol.24, n.2, pp.290-295. ISSN 0120-9965.

Commercial rubber (Hevea brasiliensis Muell.) tree growth has limitations at the seed production level. Seed collection, maintenance of seed quality, and low germination of seeds make it necessary to use high amounts of seeds for plant establishment. The objective of the present research was to identify the effect of the seed coats on germination of rubber seeds with the purpose of increasing percentage seed germination in rubber tree culture. The mechanical effect of testa on seed imbibition and germination was evaluated by partial or total removal of the seed coats. The following variables were evaluated in a completely randomised design (CRD): index of germination rate (IVG), percentage germination (PG), and the imbibition curve of seeds. The highest germination percentages and index of germination rate were found in seeds with testa completely removed. The values of imbibition rate allowed to identify the negative effect of the seed coats functioning as a barrier in the process of water uptake.

Keywords : scarification; imbibition; testa permeability.

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