ABSTRACT Background: The germination ecology of P. guajava seeds collected in two regions of Brazil was investigated aiming to (1) characterize the seed batches; (2) determine the best temperature for germination; and (3) assess variations in seed desiccation tolerance (DT). For each batch, we determined seed water content and initial germination. To evaluate temperature effects, we tested seed germination. After, we generated the imbibition curves for the two provenance. To evaluate the loss of DT, the seeds were left to germinate along different time intervals. We monitored water loss by regularly weighing the seeds until achieving stabilization, keeping them under these conditions for 72 hours. After drying, the seeds were pre-hydrated and submitted to the germination test. Results:We identified variations in physiological characteristics between the seeds from north and southeast batches. At the temperature extremes, the seeds from both provenance failed to germinate. The highest germination percentages were observed at 20 and 25 °C (constant) and between 20-30 °C (alternating) for the two batches and, for the southeast batch specifically, at 30 °C. The imbibition curve displayed a triphasic pattern with a rapid increase in seed fresh weight in the first 48 hours. Conclusion: The southeast provenance seeds lost DT abruptly, until its complete loss after radicle protrusion, which occurred in both batches. The highest values of germination speed index (GSI) of both provenance were observed after a 9-day imbibition period, suggesting seed hydration memory. Drying resulted in necrosis of the root tissue and death of the seeds with visible roots.

Abstract Some species of the Lauraceae family produce seeds that are generally sensitive to desiccation, which makes them difficult to store. The objective of this study was to characterize changes in seed quality of C. aschersoniana from two lots, as well in the physiological and cellular aspects during 12 months of storage. Seeds were stored with their original moisture content (MC) or after pre-drying to 35% MC in a cold chamber (5 °C) at a relative humidity of 40%. Seeds were sampled and tested at time 0, 3, 6 and 12 months of storage regarding to moisture content, germination and ultrastructural features. The seeds were dispersed with dormancy that was overcame by the cold storage condition and the reserves in undried seeds were partly consumed during storage. Both undried and pre-dried seeds remained viable for at least 12 months.

RESUMO Objetivou-se verificar a viabilidade de sementes e a integridade do DNA de Ocotea puberula durante armazenamento, com e sem o fruto. Sementes de cinco lotes foram armazenadas com e sem fruto, em câmara fria e seca (UR 40% ± 3% e temp. 10 °C ± 2 °C), pelos períodos de 0, 3, 6 e 9 meses. A cada período foram determinados o teor de água, germinação (%), tetrazólio (%) e integridade do DNA. O teste de germinação foi realizado em papel germitest, em germinador a 30 °C, sob luz constante. O teste de tetrazólio foi realizado com solução na concentração de 0,5%, pelo período de 1 hora. A integridade do DNA das sementes foi analisada em gel de agarose e a concentração de DNA mensurada com espectrômetro NanoDrop®. Foi verificado que somente sementes armazenadas sem o fruto mantiveram sua germinação por até três meses. Após esse período, a germinação das sementes foi reduzindo-se gradativamente, sendo nula aos 9 meses. Na análise da integridade do DNA de sementes foi possível visualizar sua degradação ao longo do armazenamento. Sementes de O. puberula, com ou sem fruto, armazenadas em sacos de papel kraft reduzem sua viabilidade e integridade de DNA após 3 meses de armazenamento em câmara fria e seca.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify the DNA integrity and viability of Ocotea puberula seeds, with and without fruit, during storage. Seeds of five lots were stored, with and without fruit, in cold and dry chamber (40% ± 3% RH; 10 °C ± 2 °C) for 0, 3, 6, and 9 months. The following attributes were determined at each period: water content, germination potential (%), tetrazolium (%), and DNA integrity. Seed germination was conducted in germitest paper, in germinator at 30 °C under constant light. The tetrazolium test was performed in 0.5% solution for 1 hour. The DNA integrity of seeds was analyzed in agarose gel and DNA concentration was measured using a NanoDrop® spectrometer. The results showed that only seeds without fruit maintained germination for three months; after this period, the germination of seeds reduced gradually, becoming null after nine months. Seed degradation during storage was observed in the DNA integrity analysis. Ocotea puberula seeds, with or without fruit, stored in Kraft paper bags in cold and dry chamber had their viability and DNA integrity reduced after three months.

No presente trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da dessecação e identificar lesões por predação por insetos, em diásporos de canela-batalha (Cryptocarya aschersoniana Mez.), utilizando-se testes de raios X. Os danos provocados pela dessecação foram dimensionados nas imagens e associados à formação de plântulas. Diásporos recém-beneficiados (45 % de umidade e 37 % de germinação) foram colocados para secar em sala climatizada (20 ºC e 60 % UR), dentro de bandejas plásticas em camada única. Posteriormente, com o intuito de acelerar o processo de secagem, foram colocados em caixas de secagem com solução saturada de hidróxido de sódio (28 % UR) e amostrados com 45, 37, 35, 31 e 26 % de umidade. Para as radiografias, utilizou-se a intensidade de radiação de 40 kVp e tempo de exposição de 1,5 minutos. Posteriormente, as radiografias foram fotografadas e as imagens analisadas em computador, sendo medido o afastamento entre o endocarpo e a semente. As sementes foram classificadas em sementes intactas, sementes com afastamento parcial, sementes com afastamento total e sementes predadas. Os testes de germinação foram realizados sobre areia, em germinadores tipo Mangelsdorf a 25 ºC e luz branca constante. Pelos resultados, observa-se que a germinação é comprometida quando o teor de água das sementes fica abaixo de 26 %. Nesse ponto, o afastamento entre o endocarpo e a semente é de 0,65 mm. Houve uma correlação positiva entre a viabilidade das sementes, avaliada pelo teste de germinação, e o afastamento entre o endocarpo e a semente observado nas radiografias. A análise radiográfica possibilita identificar danos provocados por predação após infestação por insetos.

This study evaluated the effect of desiccation, and identified injuries and predation by insects in diaspores of "canelabatalha" (Cryptocarya aschersoniana Mez.) by using X-rays. The damages caused by desiccation were measured in the images and related to the formation of seedlings. Right after fruit depulping, the diaspores (endocarp plus seed) (45 % moisture content-MC and 37 % germination) were dried in acclimatized room (20 ºC and 60 %% RH), inside of plastic trays in a single layer. Later, in order to speed up the drying process, they were placed in drying boxes with saturated solution of sodium hydroxide (28 %% RH) and sampled with 45, 37, 35, 31 and 26 % MC. For the X-rays, an intensity of radiation of 40 KVp was used and the time of exposition of 1.5 min. The radiographies were then photographed and the images analyzed in computer, being measured the separation between endocarp and the seed. The diaspores were classified as intact; with partial separation; with total separation and predated. The germination tests were carried out on sand, in incubators Mangelsdorf at 25 ºC and constant white light. The results showed that the germination is affected when the diaspore MC reaches values below 26 %. In this point, the separation between endocarp and the seed is 0.65 mm. There was a positive correlation between the viability of the seeds, evaluated through germination tests and the separation between endocarp and the seed, observed through X-rays. The radiographic analysis helps identify damage caused by predation after insect infestation.

Conduziu-se este trabalho, com os objetivos de desenvolver métodos de beneficiamento e análise de raios X, e estudar o padrão de embebição de sementes de candeia (Eremanthus incanus). As sementes foram colhidas em 2001 e 2002, respectivamente, em Morro do Pilar e Lavras, beneficiadas e guardadas em câmara fria (5ºC/60%UR) até o início dos experimentos. Para identificar sementes vazias, foi desenvolvido um protocolo utilizando raios X combinando potência de radiação e tempo de exposição. Para a eliminação das sementes vazias foi realizado um experimento utilizando soprador tipo South Dakota, combinando aberturas do aparelho e tempo de ventilação. Os lotes originais e as categorias encontradas pelas radiografias foram testadas por testes de germinação, no qual as sementes foram lavadas em hipoclorito de sódio e distribuídas sobre papel, em gerbox, levadas para germinadores com temperatura alternada 20-30ºC, com 10 horas de luz, por até 15 dias. Foram determinadas as curvas de embebição, nas condições de 30ºC, 20-30ºC/10 horas de luz e 30-20ºC/10 horas de luz. O protocolo de raios X que melhor permitiu a visualização das estruturas internas da semente foi 30Kv por 45 segundos. A separação das sementes no soprador na abertura 3,0 por 30 segundos elevou o número de sementes com embrião para valores superiores a 99%, tendo como consequência, a elevação das taxas de germinação. O padrão de embebição é trifásico e o processo de germinação se completa em 72 horas. Sob temperatura alternada, o crescimento da raiz primária é favorecido.

The objective of this work was to develop a methodology for seed processing and X-ray analysis and to study imbibition pattern in seeds of candeia (Eremanthus incanus). Seeds were gathered in 2001 and 2002 in Morro do Pilar and Lavras respectively, processed and stored in a cold chamber (5ºC/60%RH) until the start of experiments. In order to identify unfilled seeds, a protocol was developed for X-ray use combining radiation energy (Kv) and exposure time (seconds). For elimination of unfilled seeds, an experiment was conducted using a South Dakota seed blower whereby different opening settings and ventilation times were combined. Original seed lots and categorized lots following radiograph viewing were tested by germination tests, with seeds being cleansed in sodium hypochlorite and scattered over blotting paper in 'gerboxes' and then taken to germinators with alternating temperatures of 20º-30ºC and 10 hours of light, for up to 15 days. Imbibition curves were determined under the conditions 30ºC, 20º-30ºC/10 hours of light and 30º-20ºC/10 hours of light. The X-ray protocol that best allowed viewing of internal seed structures was 30Kv for 45 seconds. Seed separation using the blower setting at a 3.0 opening for 30 seconds raised the number of embryonic seeds to values exceeding 99%, also raising the germination rates as a consequence. The imbibition pattern is three-phased and the germination process is completed in 72 hours. Under alternate temperatures, primary root growth is favored.

Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) Blake, conhecido como guapuruvu, pode ser utilizado na construção civil, na medicina popular e apresenta potencial para uso na recuperação de matas ciliares. Poucas informações são encontradas na literatura sobre avaliação da qualidade fisiológica de sementes dessa espécie, principalmente em relação a metodologias para realização dos testes de germinação e tetrazólio. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a influência da temperatura no teste de germinação e da concentração da solução no teste de tetrazólio para avaliação da viabilidade de sementes de S. parahyba. Sementes de dois lotes tiveram seus ápices cortados, as quais foram desinfestadas com hipoclorito de sódio e semeadas em bandejas de polietileno (35x20x5cm), sobre areia peneirada, lavada e autoclavada (120ºC por 20 minutos). As sementes foram submetidas à temperaturas constantes de 25ºC, 30ºC, 35ºC sob luz contínua, e alternada de 20-30ºC com 8 horas de luz na temperatura de 30ºC. As avaliações foram realizadas considerando-se a emergência de radícula, plântulas normais e índice de velocidade de germinação. Para o teste de tetrazólio, após a imersão das sementes em água por 48 horas, os tegumentos e o endosperma foram removidos e os embriões imersos nas soluções de tetrazólio a 0,05% e 0,1% e mantidos em câmara de germinação tipo BOD no escuro por 5 horas a 30ºC. Nos testes de germinação, as temperaturas de 25ºC e 35ºC proporcionam maior porcentagem e velocidade de germinação de sementes de S. parahyba e no teste de tetrazólio, a concentração 0,05% da solução permitie avaliar, com eficácia, a qualidade dos lotes de sementes desta espécie.

Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) Blake, known guapuruvu can be used in building, popular medicine and to forest restoration in riparian areas. There are little informations about its seed quality evaluation. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the temperature influence on seed germination and to test the tetrazolium salt efficiency to determine seed viability. Two seed lots were harvested in Machado’s region - MG. To accelerate the germination process seed dormancy was broken with a cut in apical part and the pathogens incidence reduction was done by washing in sodium hipoclorite (2%). The seeds were sowed in poliethylen boxes (35x20x5cm) with sand as washed and sterilized at 120ºC by 20 minutes as substrate. Seeds were maintained at constant temperatures 25ºC, 30ºC and 35ºC with continuous light and at alternate temperatures 20-30ºC, with 8 hours of light. The evaluations were realized considering root emergence, normal seedlings and speed germination index. For tetrazolium test, after immersion of seeds were immersed 48 hours and to seed coats removal the embryos were kept in tetrazolium salt at 0,05% and 0,1%, at 30ºC into a germination chamber (BOD) in dark by 5 hours. In the germination tests, the temperatures at 25ºC and 35ºC promoted higher germination percentage and speed germination index than the other temperatures. In the tetrazolium test the concentration 0,05% was better than 0,1% promoting a more efficient evaluation of seed viability of this species and all the classes obtained were efficient to evaluate the seed viability.