ABSTRACT. Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. is a pioneer plant native from Brazil that has great importance due to its secondary metabolites (essential oil and Brazilian green propolis) and its potential in the recovery of degraded areas. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the propagation techniques of B. dracunculifolia by sexual reproduction and asexual propagation of male and female stem cuttings. For reproduction, female individuals from a natural population were periodically monitored for their reproductive development and their diaspores were collected to evaluate the maximum dry mass accumulation to determine physiological maturity. The germination test was performed by testing four temperatures (20, 25, 30, and 20-30°C), in addition to the germination speed index (GSI) and first count. For vegetative propagation, stem cuttings (8 cm) of male and female individuals were treated with an indole butyric acid (IBA) solution at 0, 1,500, 3,000, 4,500, and 6,000 mg L−1. The cuttings were evaluated for mortality, survival, rooting, sprouting, leaf retention, callogenesis, number of roots, and average length of roots (cm) after 120 days. The physiological maturity of diaspores occurred at 40 days after anthesis, which was the best time for collection in the field. The temperatures of 25 or 20-30°C should be used in the germination tests of the species. The first count was identified four days after sowing and the last count after 11 days. The rooting of B. dracunculifolia cuttings is very low. Sex did not influence the evaluated parameters, but increasing IBA doses positively influenced rooting, number of roots, and average length of roots and negatively influenced calluses formation.

Resumo: Foi realizada uma abordagem sistemática com o objetivo de compilar informações atualizadas e mais promissoras sobre a qualidade de sementes de soja, traits, tratamentos e técnicas de análise. Dentre 6.899 materiais acadêmicos recuperados, entre os anos de 2017 e 2022, 57 deles foram incluídos no estudo, sendo separados em três grupos: Grupo 1 - Materiais teóricos abordando traits relacionados ao vigor de sementes, que podem ser utilizados em estratégias biotecnológicas e de melhoramento de diferentes espécies; Grupo 2 - Materiais práticos que aplicam técnicas de tratamento de sementes de soja; e Grupo 3 - Materiais práticos que aplicam técnicas para avaliar o vigor em sementes de soja. A partir da abordagem realizada, foi possível observar que vários genes, proteínas e QTLs estão associados ao vigor das sementes. As técnicas de tratamento de sementes concentram-se no uso de produtos biológicos e físicos; porém, há carência de estudos validando esses benefícios em campo. Dentre os métodos para avaliação do vigor de sementes de soja, destacam-se as técnicas de análise de imagem (luz visível, LIBS, NIR, FTIR, FT-NIR, HSI-NIR, FHSI, Hiperespectral, Espectral de fluorescência) e o emprego de softwares (Vigor-S®, SVIS®, SAPL®, IJCropSeed, Ilastik, VideometerLab® MATLAB, ENVI®).

Abstract: A systematic approach was employed with the objective of compiling updated and more promising information on the quality of soybean seeds, traits, treatments and analysis techniques. Among the 6,899 academic materials retrieved between 2017 and 2022, 57 of them were included in the study, separated into three groups: Group 1 - Theoretical materials addressing traits related to seed vigor, which can be used in biotechnological strategies and improvement of different species; Group 2 - Practical materials that apply techniques of treatment of soybean seeds; and Group 3 - Practical materials that apply techniques to evaluate vigor in soybean seeds. From the approach used, it was possible to observe that several genes, proteins and QTLs are associated with seed vigor. Seed treatment techniques focus on the use of biological and physical products, but there is a lack of studies validating these benefits in the field. Among the methods for evaluating the vigor of soybean seeds, the techniques of image analysis (visible light, LIBS, NIR, FTIR, FT-NIR, HSI-NIR, FHSI, Hyperspectral, Fluorescence spectral) and the use of software (Vigor-S®, SVIS®, SAPL®, IJCropSeed, Ilastik, VideometerLab®, MATLAB, ENVI®) stand out.

ABSTRACT: The species Pinus taeda is largely used in intensive silviculture worldwide. This species has propagation through seeds, which requires determining seeds viability for their commercialization. The germination test recommended for this species usually requires up to 63 days to provide results on the quality of freshly harvested seeds, delaying commercialization and favoring contamination during the conduction of the test. The authors of this study aimed to establish the developmental stages of P. taeda seedlings to determine a criterion for interpreting the germination test with greater speed and efficiency to obtain results. The seeds were sown in transparent plastic boxes on two sheets of blotting paper and placed in a germinator at 22 °C with constant lighting. Five morphological stages of seedling development were defined with daily counts of the number of normal seedlings for each criterion, distribution in time, and the accumulated percentage of normal seedlings adjusted to time-to-event nonlinear regression. The new interpretation criterion proposed in this study is efficient, and P. taeda seedlings can be considered normal when cotyledon leaves differ by approximately 3 mm between the integument and hypocotyl, reducing the time to conduct the germination test by up to ten days compared to the criterion usually used in the routine analysis of seed laboratories.

RESUMO: Para comercialização das sementes de Bactris gasipaes Kunth, é necessária a realização do teste de germinação, cuja metodologia já se encontra estabelecida e tem duração de 120 dias. Em função do comportamento recalcitrante, a semente possui curta longevidade no armazenamento, em geral 30 a 45 dias, o que dificulta a seleção de sementes viáveis para a comercialização. O trabalho teve por objetivo estabelecer uma metodologia para condução do teste de tetrazólio em sementes de pupunha para obter resultados rápidos e que possam ser relacionados com o teste de germinação. Foram realizadas avaliações do teor de água, teste de germinação e teste de tetrazólio, considerando-se diferentes formas de pré-condicionamento, preparo e coloração, as áreas vitais da semente e estabelecendo as classes de viabilidade. O teste de tetrazólio, em função dos resultados obtidos para o lote estudado, forneceu resultados correlacionados ao teste de germinação mediante sua condução com pré-condicionamento por imersão em água (20 °C por 24 h), corte longitudinal adjacente ao embrião e imersão de metade da semente (embrião + endosperma) em solução a 1,0%, por 4 h a 30 °C. Assim, foi possível separar as sementes de pupunha em duas classes (viáveis e não viáveis).

ABSTRACT: Prior to commercialization, seeds of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) have to undergo the germination test, whose well-established methodology takes 120 days. Due to their recalcitrant behavior, the seeds have short longevity when stored (around 30-45 days), which makes it challenging to select the most viable ones for marketing. This study aimed to determine a methodology for the tetrazolium test to be carried out in peach palm seeds, in order to fast deliver results that can be correlated to the germination test. Different forms of pre-conditioning, preparation, and staining were investigated via moisture content, germination, and tetrazolium tests, so as to define the vital parts of the seed and sort out the viability classes. For the seed lot under study, the tetrazolium test delivered results supported by the germination test when the following procedures were adopted: pre-conditioning by water submersion (20 °C for 24 h), longitudinal cut adjacent to the embryo, and half-seed immersion (embryo + endosperm) in a 1.0% tetrazolium solution for 4 h at 30 °C. Having fulfilled these criteria, it became possible to separate the peach palm seeds into two classes (viable or non-viable).

Resumo: Passiflora actinia Hooker é uma espécie nativa de maracujazeiro, típica da Mata Atlântica e da Mata com Araucária, que apresenta valores econômico (fruto comestível), medicinal (atividades sedativa e ansiolítica), além de ser usada em propagação vegetativa (porta-enxerto para outras espécies de Passiflora). Este trabalho teve por objetivos investigar a existência de dormência em sementes de P. actinia e avaliar o potencial de armazenamento destas. O teste de germinação foi conduzido por meio de combinações de temperatura e regimes de luz, enquanto a presença de dormência foi investigada através de diferentes tratamentos para promoção da germinação (corte no tegumento, imersão em água quente e aplicação de giberelina). Analisou-se, também, a viabilidade das sementes durante o armazenamento. Neste caso, o teste de germinação de sementes foi feito sobre papel, a 20-30 °C, sem o fornecimento de luz. Sementes recém-colhidas apresentaram dormência física e fisiológica. Os tratamentos com imersão das sementes em água a 40 °C ou 50 °C (5 ou 10 minutos) foram efetivos para quebrar a dormência física. A dormência fisiológica pôde ser superada com a aplicação de 100 mg. L-1 de ácido giberélico sobre o substrato de papel. O armazenamento em refrigerador, dentro de embalagens de polietileno hermeticamente fechadas, preservou a qualidade fisiológica por até nove meses.

Abstract: Passiflora actinia Hooker is a passion fruit species native to Brazil, typically found in the Atlantic and Araucaria Forests. It has economic relevance (edible fruit) and medicinal value (sedative and anxiolytic properties), in addition to being used for vegetative propagation, as rootstock for other Passiflora species. This study aimed at investigating the occurrence of dormancy in P. actinia seeds, and at evaluating their storage potential. The germination test considered different combinations of temperature and lighting regimes, whereas seed dormancy was assessed using different germination-inducing treatments (tegument cutting, warm water immersion, and gibberellin application). Seed viability during storage was also appraised. The results showed that seed germination should be conducted on paper at the alternating temperature of 20-30 °C, without lighting. Also, newly-harvested seeds presented physical and physiological dormancies. The immersion of seeds in water at 40 °C or 50 °C (for 5 or 10 minutes) proved to be efficient in breaking the physical dormancy. Physiological dormancy, in turn, was successfully interrupted by applying 100 mg. L-1 of gibberellic acid on the substrate paper. The storage of seeds under refrigeration, inside hermetically sealed polyethylene packaging, preserved their physiological quality for up to nine months.

Resumo: Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. (guanandi) é uma espécie nativa com potencial medicinal e também com expectativa para exploração comercial (madeira) e recuperação de áreas degradadas. As sementes apresentam dormência física e mecânica, exigindo técnicas para superação, e necessitam de conhecimento da morfologia de sementes e plântulas que subsidie as análises em laboratório e a propagação da espécie. O objetivo desse trabalho foi descrever as estruturas morfológicas de sementes e plântulas normais e anormais de guanandi, e também investigar se a completa extração do endocarpo e do tegumento, para superação de dormência, interfere na morfologia e no desenvolvimento inicial da planta e, consequentemente, na produção de mudas. Sementes de guanandi são grandes (peso de mil sementes de 1.480,9 g), envoltas em endocarpo rígido; cotilédones respondem pela maior parte do embrião e têm função de reserva; eixo embrionário é pequeno (1,0-2,0 mm) em relação à semente, porém diferenciado. As plântulas apresentam germinação hipógea criptocotiledonar, com pecíolos cotiledonares, raiz pivotante, epicótilo desenvolvendo em haste longa e ápice protegido por catafilos. As principais anormalidades observadas em plântulas são relacionadas ao sistema radicular. A extração do endocarpo e do tegumento não altera a morfologia da plântula e proporciona maior desenvolvimento, podendo ser uma estratégia vantajosa.

Abstract: Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. (guanandi) is a native species with medicinal potential and also generates expectation for commercial use (wood) and for recovery of degraded areas. These seeds have physical and mechanical dormancy, requiring techniques for dormancy release; knowledge of seed and seedling morphology that assists laboratory analysis and propagation of the species is also necessary. The objective of this study was to describe the morphological structures of the seeds and normal and abnormal seedlings of guanandi, and also investigate if complete extraction of the endocarp and the seed coat to overcome dormancy will affect the morphology and initial plant development, and consequently production of transplants. Guanandi seeds are large (1000 seed weight of 1480.9 g) with a hard seed coat; cotyledons account for most of the embryo and serve as a reserve; the embryonic axis is small (1.0-2.0 mm) in relation to the seed, yet it is differentiated. The seedlings have hypogeal cryptocotylar germination, with cotyledonary petioles, taproot, and epicotyl developing into a long stem and a tip protected by cataphylls. The main abnormalities in seedlings are related to the root system. Extraction of the endocarp and seed coat does not alter the morphology of seedlings and promotes their greater development, which may be an advantageous strategy.

RESUMO Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R. Br. pertence à família Lamiaceae e é comumente conhecida como coleus, devido à antiga denominação do gênero. Essa planta ornamental vem ganhando destaque na indústria florística em função do grande número de cultivares exóticas no mercado. Sua exploração comercial por meio de sementes é dificultada pela instabilidade genética, sendo propagada vegetativamente com estacas semilenhosas e as folhas têm grande importância no enraizamento de estacas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a presença e ausência de folhas apicais e do uso de ácido indol butírico (IBA) no enraizamento de estacas caulinares de coleus. Estacas semilenhosas de coleus com 6 cm de comprimento, com e sem de folhas apicais, tratadas em solução hidroalcoólica (50%) de 0, 1000 e 2000 mg L-1 de IBA foram confeccionadas. Os propágulos foram estaqueados em tubetes com vermiculita e mantidos em casa de vegetação (24 ± 2 °C e Umidade Relativa do ar 90%). O enraizamento foi avaliado após 30 dias. As estacas com folhas e sem folhas tiveram 100% e 57% de enraizamento, respectivamente, independente da concentração de IBA. O comprimento e o número de raízes nas estacas com folhas foram maiores que às estacas sem folhas em todas as concentrações de IBA. A brotação das estacas com folhas e sem folhas foi de 97,7% e 2,2%, respectivamente. A presença de folhas apicais aumenta o enraizamento de estacas de coleus e o uso de IBA é desnecessário para a propagação da espécie.

ABSTRACT Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R. Br. is part of the Lamiaceae family and is commonly known as coleus, due to the genus denomination in the past. This ornamental plant species has been gaining importance in the floristic industry due to the great number of exotic cultivars available in the market. Coleus commercial exploitation by seeds is held up by genetic instability, which makes it usually being propagated through semi-hardwood stem cuttings and leaves have great importance in stem cuttings adventitious rooting. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence or absence of apical leaves and the use of indolebutyric acid (IBA) in coleus stem cuttings rooting. Semi-hardwood coleus stem cuttings with 6 cm long were prepared with or without apical leaves, and then treated with hydroalcoholic solutions (50% v v-1) of 0, 1000 and 2,000 mg L-1 IBA. The propagules were planted in tubes containing vermiculite and kept for 30 days in a greenhouse under intermittent misting (24 ± 2 °C, Relative Humidity 90%) until final evaluation. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, in a 3×2 factorial scheme (3 IBA concentrations x presence and absence of apical leaves). The rooting was evaluated after 30 days. Stem cuttings with and without apical leaves has 100 and 57% rooting, respectively. Stem cuttings rooting did not vary according to IBA concentrations. Roots length and number were higher in stem cuttings with apical leaves in comparison to leafless ones, regardless IBA concentrations. On average, 97.7% sprouting was observed in cuttings with apical leaves, significantly higher rates when compared to the average of 2.2% on leafless cuttings. The presence of apical leaves is fundamental for coleus stem cuttings rooting and the use of IBA is not required for this species propagation.