Abstract Endozoochory refers to the ingestion of fruits by animals and their release through faeces as it plays an important role in maintaining ecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cumbaru fruit ingestion by tapirs on cumbaru seed germination. In latrines, fruits ingested and excreted by the animals were collected among tapir faeces. The collected material was taken to the laboratory and placed in a germination chamber and greenhouse. Fruit ingestion and its subsequent defection propitiated a higher germination rate and germination vigor compared to non-ingested fruit grown in a germination chamber and greenhouse. The results in the greenhouse showed that the latrines (decomposing organic matter) have different thermal conditions (higher temperature), in relation to the external environment, which probably accelerated the germination processes. Evaluation of seedlings grown in a greenhouse and germination chamber indicated that growth in the greenhouse was better due to humic and fulvic acids, which are common stimulants of seed germination and seedling growth. Therefore, tapirs can be considered good fruit dispersers and inducers of cumbaru seeds germination.

Abstract Knowledge of environmental conditions for seed germination and seedling formation of forest species is essential. The objective of this work is to evaluate the germination of Callisthene major seeds under laboratory conditions using six different temperatures (20, 25, 30, 35, 20-30 and 25-35 °C) and germitest paper (on and between paper). A completely randomized design was used with four replicates of 25 seeds per experimental unit. The variables evaluated were germination (%), germination speed index (GSI), average germination time (AGT) in days and normal seedlings. The results indicated that the species has a high germination index (above 94%) for all tested substrates and temperatures; however, the highest germination vigor (GSI and AGT) was obtained by alternating the temperature between 25-35 °C with the substrate on paper.

RESUMO A análise de extratos de folhas de Moringa oleifera cultivadas em diferentes substratos oferece a oportunidade de se examinar um conjunto de metabólitos secundários, que podem ser utilizados para diversos fins, como nutrientes e na medicina. Levando-se esses fatores em consideração, foi montado um experimento em delineamento experimental, conduzido com blocos inteiramente casualizados, com sete tratamentos: (1) 100% neossolo quartzarênico; (2) neossolo quartzarênico 60% x 40% vermicomposto; (3) neossolo quartzarênico 80% x 20% vermicomposto; (4) neossolo quartzarênico 60% x 40% casca de arroz carbonizada; (5) neossolo quartzarênico 80% x 20% casca de arroz carbonizada; (6) neossolo quartzarênico 60% x 40% solo argiloso; e, (7) neossolo quartzarênico 40% x 60% solo argiloso, a pleno sol, quatro repetições por tratamento. A avaliação de crescimento da parte aérea foi realizada aos 105 dias, com a coleta das folhas, secas em estufa de ventilação forçada e posteriormente trituradas e pesadas. Com o material obtido foram preparados extratos metanólicos e aquosos (20%), submetidos à análise fitoquímica. Foi detectada a presença de compostos fenólicos, taninos, flavonoides, cumarinas, esteroides, heterosídeos cardioativos, alcaloides e açúcares redutores. Estes compostos são provavelmente os responsáveis em conferir amplo espectro de atividades biológicas atribuídas às folhas da espécie. Porém, o presente estudo sugere cautela em seu uso indiscriminado, devido à grande presença de heterosídeos cardioativos. A maior ou menor quantidade de metabólitos foi influenciada pelos diferentes substratos e, na dependência do tipo de utilização da espécie diferentes tipos de cultivos seriam necessários para aumentar ou diminuir determinados compostos presentes em suas folhas.

ABSTRACT The analysis of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts when grown on different substrates provides the opportunity to examine a set of secondary metabolites, which can be utilized for various purposes, as nutrients and in medicine. Taking those factors into consideration, an experiment was set up in a completely randomized block, conducted with seven treatments: (1) 100% quartzipsamment; (2) quartzipsamment 60% x 40% vermicompost; (3) quartzipsamment 80% x 20% vermicompost; (4) quartzipsamment 60% x 40% carbonized rice husk; (5) quartzipsamment 80% x 20% carbonized rice husk; (6) quartzipsamment 60% x 40% clay soil; and (7) quartzipsamment 40% x 60% clay soil, in full sun, with four replicates per treatment. The shoot growth evaluation was performed at 105 days, with the leaves collected, dried in a forced ventilation oven and later crushed and weighed. With the material obtained, methanolic and aqueous extracts were prepared at 20% and submitted to phytochemical analysis. The presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, steroids, cardioactive heterosides, alkaloids and reducing sugars was detected. These compounds are probably responsible for conferring a broad spectrum of biological activities attributed to the leaves of the species. However, the present study suggests caution in its indiscriminate use due to the great presence of cardioactive heterosides. The greater or lesser amount of metabolites was influenced by the different substrates and, depending on the type of use of the species, different types of crops would be necessary to increase or decrease certain compounds present in its leaves.