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Sesame is a plant with great economic and social potential, being used for various purposes such as the food, pharmaceutical, medicinal industries, and more recently, as a source of renewable energy for the production of biofuel. One of the factors that most limit the productivity of this crop is salt stress. Based on this, the present work aimed to evaluate the germination and vigor of hybrid and creoles sesame seeds subjected to saline stress. The experiment was carried out at the Phytotechnics Laboratory of the Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Campus/UFAL. Two sesame cultivars were studied, BRS Anahí and Creole from the state of Sergipe. The seeds were aseptically treated by immersion in 70% alcohol for 1 minute, followed by washing in running water before being subjected to the treatments. To simulate salt stress, sodium chloride (NaCl) was used as a solute at concentrations of 0.0 (control); -0.1; -0.2; -0.3; -0.4 and -0.5 MPa. The material was placed, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (B.O.D.) germination type chamber, regulated at an alternate temperature of 20-30 °C. The experimental design used was completely randomized, with four replications of 25 seeds per treatments in a 2 x 6 factorial scheme (sesame cultivars x saline concentrations). Data were submitted to analysis of variance and polynomial regression, and the analyzes were performed using the SISVAR 5.6 software. The parameters evaluated were: water content, germination, first germination count, germination speed index, seedling length and dry mass. The results for the germination of sesame seeds submitted to salt stress showed that as the salinity levels increased there was a reduction in the percentage of germination of the sesame seeds studied, but until the concentration of -0.4 MPa they are within the standards allowed for commercialization of that culture. In the first count of germination, the Creoles sesame seeds showed the highest values, demonstrating better germination performance compared to BRS Anahí. In the germination speed index, BRS Anahí outperformed Creoles in all salt concentrations, except for the control. For seedling length, it was found that at the lowest salt concentrations both sesame varieties obtained the highest averages, with a significant reduction in length at the highest concentration (-0.5). The dry mass of the seedlings decreased as the water salinity increased, being more evident after the -0.3 MPa NaCl solution, especially for BRS Anahí. Thus, it can be concluded that salinity affects the physiological potential of sesame seeds, being more evident when at salt concentrations from -0.3 MPa. Creoles sesame seeds are less sensitive to saline stress.

To evaluate the physiological potential of the seeds, the tetrazolium test would be an interesting alternative, as it is a quick test that provides a detailed analysis of viability and vigor. Therefore, it is necessary to define pre-conditioning conditions, such as temperature and duration of soaking, concentration of the tetrazolium solution, and method of exposing the seeds to staining. Moringa oleifera Lam., belonging to the family Moringaceae, is widely distributed in tropical countries and easily adapted to semi-arid conditions, possessing medicinal value, as forage, condiment, in the cosmetics industry, melliferous, fuel, and in water purification treatment through the coagulant solution made from seeds. Based on the above, the objectives of the present work were to establish the most appropriate procedure for conducting the tetrazolium test to evaluate the viability and vigor of M. oleifera seeds. Only the cotyledons containing the embryo were placed in 50 mL plastic cups and immersed in a solution of 2,3,5-triphenyl chloride tetrazolium salt at concentrations of 0.05; 0.075 and 0.1% for staining periods of 1, 2, and 3 hours in a Biochemical Oxygen Demand chamber at 30 ºC in the dark. The seeds were evaluated one by one for tissue condition (firm or flaccid) and seed color, and by the location and size of the lesions on the cotyledon and embryonic axis. For the standardization of the tetrazolium test, the Completely Randomized Design was used in a 3x3+1 factorial scheme (three concentrations of tetrazolium solution x three staining periods + control = germination test) with four repetitions of 25 seeds. M. oleifera seeds were found to have a high germination rate (100%), there was no significant difference between the control and the percentage of viable seeds (TZ) for the 2 and 3 hours staining periods, immersed in tetrazolium solution at concentrations of 0.075 (96%) and 0.05% (99%), respectively. The most appropriate procedure for conducting the tetrazolium test to assess the viability and vigor of M. oleifera seeds is to use a concentration of 0.05% for 3 hours of salt immersion

Phenology works as an indicator of the response of plants to local climatic and edaphic conditions, enabling a better understanding of the dynamics of the species. The seasonal climate also influences the occurrence of periodic rhythms of growth and reproduction (phenophases). Moringa oleifera Lam., belong to the Moringaceae family, is widely distributed in tropical countries and easily adapts to semiarid conditions, having medicinal value as a forage, flavoring, in the cosmetics, honey, fuel and in the treatment of water purification through the coagulant solution made from the seeds. The objectives of the present work were to study the phenological behavior of M. oleifera and to relate the variations in phenophases with climatic factors, precipitation and temperature. For collection of phenological data, ten trees were selected, and the records were carried out between the first half of August 2020 and the first half of July 2021. The observations were carried out at fortnightly intervals, recording the presence and absence of the flowering and fruiting phenophases including flowering – period in which the tree is in full flowering; fructification – which starts from the moment that small fruits are visible after the fertilization of the flowers and ends with the dispersal of seeds. The Fournier intensity index was determined using a semiquantitative interval scale of five categories (0 to 4), with an interval of 25% between each category. The phenological data of intensity of each phenophase (flowering and fruiting) were related to precipitation and average temperature fortnightly using Spearman's correlation. The flowering and fruiting phenophases of M. oleifera intensified in August, September and December 2020, showing Fournier intensity peaks of 47.5 and 77.5, 72.5 and 92.5, and 35 and 55 %, respectively, and April and June 2021, in the monthly intervals of greater rainfall, with percentage rates of 82.5 and 95, 77.5 and 80%, respectively. In general, we found that M. oleifera produced seeds between the first half of August and the first half of September, and the second half of December 2020, and the second half of April and the first half of June 2021. Thus, it can be stated that the production of fruits by M. oleifera is interrupted in the months with less rainfall (October to November 2020, and January to February 2021). The intensity and duration of the flowering and fruiting phenophases in M. oleifera are synchronized with the temporal distribution of the precipitation pulses in that habitat

The present study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the ecological and applied aspects of temperature in the germination of Colubrina glandulosa (Rhamnaceae), Chloroleucon dumosum (Fabaceae), Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Fabaceae), Mimosa bimucronata (Fabaceae) and Sapindus saponaria (Sapindaceae). Then we assessed germination, average germination time, germination uniformity and germination activation energy as a function of temperatures. The experiment was conducted at the Plant Propagation Laboratory, on the Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Campus, at the Federal University of Alagoas, Rio Largo, AL, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications of 25 seeds per treatment. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were compared using the Tukey test at 5% probability. The isothermal incubation was performed in Biochemical Oxigen Demand (B.O.D.) germination chamber, at constant temperatures of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 ºC and alternating at 20-30 ºC. The seeds of C. glandulosa, C. dumosum, E. contortisiliquum and M. bimucronata germinated in the range of 10 ºC ≤ T ≤ 35 ºC, and S. saponaria germinated in the range of 20 ºC ≤ T ≤ 35 ºC. We found that seeds in the optimal temperature range has unimodal distribution of relative frequency, concentrating germination in the shortest time. The activation energy was positive in the range of 10 ºC ≤ T ≤ 30 ºC, with an inversion of the signal at a temperature of 35 ºC. The studied species had a wide range of temperature tolerance and the speed was curvilinearly dependent on them. The germination process is predominantly endergonic

For most forest species the irregularity of fruiting, low seed production and spatial distribution of trees, make it impossible to supply seeds to meet seedling production programs. On the other hand, to prevent subsequent years of low production and maintain seed viability, it is necessary to adopt adequate storage procedures. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to evaluate the influence of water content and storage conditions on the physiological potential of seeds of Colubrina glandulosa Perkins (Rhamnaceae), Chloroleucon dumosum (Benth.) G.P. Lewis (Fabaceae), Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong (Fabaceae), Mimosa bimucronata (DC.) O. Kuntze (Fabaceae) and Sapindus saponaria L. (Sapindaceae), which are native tree species in tropical forests in South America. The seeds were placed in paper packaging and glass packaging and stored in a laboratory environment (uncontrolled), during storage periods of zero (recently harvested), three, six, nine, 12 and 15 months. For each storage period, the water content and physiological potential of the seeds were evaluated. The design was entirely randomized with four repetitions of 25 seeds. The germination (G) and germination uniformity (U) data were subjected to analysis of variance in a 2 x 6 factorial arrangement (two types of packaging x six storage periods), and application of polynomial regression. Seeds of Colubrina glandulosa, Chloroleucon dumosum, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Mimosa bimucronata and Sapindus saponaria, packed in paper packaging or glass packaging, and stored under uncontrolled conditions of natural environment, presented higher G and U, in the storage period of 15 months. The physiological potential of the seeds can be maintained for a long time, as long as they are packed in a glass container with an adequate initial water content. With a water content of 8.2, 8.1, 7.9, 8.4% and 12.1%, the seeds of Colubrina glandulosa, Chloroleucon dumosum, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Mimosa bimucronata and Sapindus saponaria, respectively, maintain the viability during storage. Therefore, the solution to store these seeds would be to rigorously dry them, and then use waterproof packaging. It is recommended that for the storage of seeds of these tree species, they are previously packaged in glass containers

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de diferentes concentracoes salinas na agua de irrigacao sobre a emergencia e o crescimento inicial de mudas de Libidibia ferrea, considerada de grande importância na recuperacao de areas degradadas em regioes do Nordeste brasileiro, onde e intensamente explorada por possuir cerne duro, acarretando uma madeira de elevada densidade. Os experimentos foram conduzidos no laboratorio de propagacao de plantas pertencente ao Centro de Engenharias e Ciencias Agrarias, da Universidade Federal de Alagoas, sendo conduzidos sob delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco blocos e cinco repeticoes, totalizando 25 parcelas experimentais. Os regimes de teor de salinidade na agua para irrigacao adotados foram: controle, semi-moderado, moderado, semi-severo e severo (0, 1, 2, 3 e 4 g de NaCl/L, respectivamente). Foram avaliados, percentagem de emergencia e indice de velocidade de emergencia, bem como o numero de folhas, altura da planta, diâmetro do caule e indice SPAD. Ao final do experimento, as mudas foram seccionadas em folha, caule e raiz, para se determinar a massa secada raiz, parte aerea e total. O incremento da salinidade afetou negativamente todas as variaveis estudadas, indicando que as mudas de pau-ferro foram sensiveis a salinidade.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:51:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-01-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Alagoas This study aimed to adapt the methodology of the electrical conductivity test to detect differences in vigor between seeds of Libidibia ferrea of different masses. The seeds were classified according to their individual mass: small seeds ≤ 0.14 g, medium seeds 0.15 ≤ x ≤ 0.19, large seeds ≥ 0.20 g. Subsequently, seed morphology (length, width, thickness, water content, and weight of 1000 seeds), and the initial physiological potential of the seeds (germination, first count, average time, average speed, germination rate coefficient, germination and emergence rate index, emergence percentage, seedling length, and dry mass) were determined. The electrical conductivity was conducted in a 3 × 12 factorial scheme with three seed masses and 12 immersion periods (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 h), in volumes of 50 and 75 mL of water, with 25 and 50 seeds, respectively. The physical and physiological variables of the seeds were highly correlated with the electrical conductivity test. The seed mass of L. ferrea has a direct relationship with its physiological potential, with the seeds of mass ≥ 0.20 g classified with high vigor; the seeds of mass 0.15 ≤ x ≤ 0.19 with intermediate vigor; and the seeds of mass ≤ 0.14 g with low vigor. The electrical conductivity test is efficient in the evaluation of the physiological potential of L. ferrea seeds of different masses when conducted with 25 seeds soaked in 50 mL of distilled water for 4 h. Federal University of Alagoas - Engineering and Agrarian Science Campus, AL, BR-104,Km 85,s/n,Mata do Rolo Federal University of Agreste of Pernambuco, PE, Avenue Bom Pastor,s/n,Garanhuns Departament of Production and Plant Breeding - São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, SP, Avenue Universitária,3780,Altos do Paraíso Departament of Production and Plant Breeding - São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, SP, Avenue Universitária,3780,Altos do Paraíso

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the application of treated sewage sludge on the initial development of soybean plants (Glycine max L.). Seven treatments were used: (T1) only the soil (absolute control); (T2) soil + residue at the dose of 5.0 g/dm3; (T3) soil + residue at a dose of 10.0 g/dm3; (T4) soil + residue at the dose of 15.0 g/dm3; (T5) soil + residue at the dose of 20.0 g/dm3; (T6) soil + residue at the dose of 25.0 g/dm3; and (T7) culture with PK. The variables of emergence, first count and emergence speed of seedlings, green mass, shoot length, root length, dry shoot mass and dry root mass of the plants were analyzed. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with four replicates of 25 plants for each treatment. The use of the organic residue positively influenced the characteristics observed in relation to the control and the PK, and in the appropriate dose, it can be recommended as an input and soil conditioner. Sewage sludge presents high potential as a fertilizer for soybean cultivation.

This study aimed to characterize the maturation stages of the papaya fruits and to evaluate the physiological quality of papaya seeds produced in an agroforestry system as a function of postharvest maturation. Papaya fruits were used (Carica papaya L.) from two groups, Formosa Tainung 1 and Solo Sunrise Solo, harvested at maturation stage I (up to 15% of the yellow bark). The seeds were obtained, without sarcotesta: soon after harvest (T1); 14 days after standing at room temperature (T2); and 14 days after standing at 10 °C (T3). The variables analyzed included: germination, first count, speed, and mean germination time and length of seedlings. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2 × 3 factorial scheme (2 groups and 3 rest periods), with 4 replicates of 50 seeds for each treatment. The papaya fruits produced maximum germinating seed in a less average time at room temperature and maturation stage V and the final stage (76%–100% of the yellow bark), allowing maximum number of seedlings with greater vigor. Fruits in stage I impaired the physiological quality of the seeds. The agroecological production presented a systemic approach in the management of papaya.

Maricá (Mimosa bimucronata (D.C.) O. Kuntze.) is a species that presents great importance in reforestation programs, in the recovery of permanent preservation areas, landscaping projects and is considered soil improver, being recommended for erosion and for planting on flooded land. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the viability of the seeds of M. bimucronata by the tetrazolium test and to determine the crude oil content and the percentage composition of fatty acids. The experiments were conducted at the Plant Propagation Laboratory of the Agricultural Sciences Center (CECA) of the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), located in the municipality of Rio Largo, Alagoas, Brazil. The obtained data submitted to the analysis of variance and the comparison between the means of viable seeds for each of the combinations in the tetrazolium test were performed by the Dunnett test at 5%. The concentration of 0.075% tetrazolium salt for two hours at 35 °C is an efficient combination for evaluating the viability of M. bimucronata seeds. The oil content was 2.75%, with unsaturated fatty acids prevailing (63.8%).

O trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de caracterizar a qualidade fisiológica de sementes crioulas de feijão comum cultivadas nos municípios de São João-PE, Lajedo-PE, Caetés-PE e União dos Palmares-AL. As sementes foram doadas por agricultores familiares das respectivas cidades. O trabalho foi conduzido no Laboratório de Propagação de Plantas pertencente ao Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CECA), Campus Delza Gitaí, da Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL). Os parâmetros avaliados foram: teor de água (TA), peso de mil sementes (PMS), primeira contagem de emergência (PCE), emergência (EMER) de plântulas, índice de velocidade de emergência (IVE), comprimento da parte aérea (PA) e raiz e massa seca de plântulas. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições de 50 sementes por tratamento. As variedades crioulas de feijão comum apresentam percentual de emergência acima dos padrões mínimos exigidos para comercialização. O lote de sementes proveniente de São João-PE apresentou qualidade fisiológica superior em relação aos demais municípios. Palavras-chave: Agricultura familiar, Phaseolus vulgaris L., produção, germinação, vigor

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a morfometria de sementes, padronizar o teste de germinação e identificar a condição ideal de armazenamento das sementes de Triplaris brasiliana Cham., uma espécie pioneira, com grande potencial para recuperação de áreas degradadas, de preservação permanente, áreas de mata ciliar e terra firme. Para a caracterização morfométrica, determinou-se o comprimento e espessura, massa de 1000 sementes, coloração, formato e localização do hilo e da micrópila, tipo de embrião, sua localização e tipo de germinação. O teste de germinação foi avaliado a partir das sementes com e sem escarificação em diferentes temperaturas. O armazenamento foi testado em embalagens de vidro e papel e em condições de geladeira, câmara seca e ambiente. O embrião é axial, sendo o eixo embrionário localizado na parte central da metade inferior da semente, a germinação é do tipo epígea e as plântulas são fanerocotiledonares. A semeadura das sementes escarificadas sobre papel submetida à temperatura de 30°C foi favorável para germinação e desenvolvimento das plântulas de Triplaris brasiliana, sendo as sementes sensíveis à desidratação (intermediária), preservando sua qualidade fisiológica por mais tempo, quando armazenadas em geladeira e câmara seca, nas embalagens utilizadas.

The marica ('Mimosa bimucronata' (DC) O. Kuntze) is a forest species, belonging to the family Fabaceae, considered endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome. The present work aimed to study the germinative behavior of 'M. bimucronata' seeds under different temperatures and light qualities, as well as to evaluate the effect of the amount of water (humidity) in the substrate and the osmoconditioning during germination. Thus, the experiment was performed using a completely randomized design. The treatments were distributed in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme (temperatures and light qualities), with 4 replicates of 25 seeds each. The means were compared by Tukey's test at 5% probability. The volume of water and osmoconditioning of substrate was evaluated and data were subjected to regression analysis. The following variables were analyzed: first count of germinated seeds, germination, germination speed index, and electrical conductivity. The results revealed that seeds are neutral photoblasts, needing a constant temperature of 30 degreesC along with a white light for appropriate germination and vigor. Seeding on two sheets of paper towel moistened with water volume (mL) from 2.62 to 2.70 times was more suitable for conducting the germination test. The osmotic conditioning was inefficient in maintaining germination of these seeds.

The objectives of the present study were to morphologically characterize the seeds, study post-seminal development, and report the best treatment to overcoming dormancy of colubrina (Colubrina glandulosa Perkins). Eight replicates of 100 seeds were weighed and the length, width, and thickness of each seed were measured for the physical characterization. External and internal aspects were considered for the morphological description of the seeds. Seven pre-germination treatments were used to overcoming dormancy: (T1) intact seeds; immersion in sulfuric acid for 60 (T2) and 90 min (T3); (T4) manual scarification in the region opposite the hilum; (T5) immersion in water at 80 degreesC, followed by standing in the same water outside the heat for 24 hours at room temperature; and immersion in distilled water for 24 (T6) and 48 hours (T7). The germinative process was recorded for 19 days in the post-seminal study. The variables analyzed were germination, first count, speed, average germination time, germination uncertainty and synchrony, seedling length, and dry mass. This was a completely randomized designed study, with four replicates of 25 seeds in each treatment. The seeds were morphologically highly variable. The testal and the embryo were the invaginated type. Germination was epigeal and the phanerocotyledonal type. Manual scarification induced maximum germinability in the mean time, resulting in a unimodal distribution of the relative frequency and high synchronization of germination, which allowed for the maximum number of highly vigorous seedlings. These results indicate a treatment for overcoming dormancy in C. glandulosa.

This study aimed to characterize the biometric characteristics of Mimosa bimucronata (DC.) O. Kuntze seeds and to elucidate their physiological characteristics with respect to the effect of treatme...

The use of salt water in irrigation can reduce the growth and yield of agricultural crops. This study aimed to assess the germination, emergence, physiology and growth of passion fruit seedlings of two varieties under salt water irrigation. The study was conducted in two stages: the first carried out in a laboratory and the second in a greenhouse, using a randomized block design, in a 2 x 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to two passion fruit varieties (BRS RC and BRS GA1) and four levels of irrigation water electrical conductivity (0.2 dS m-1, 2.2 dS m-1, 4.2 dS m-1 and 6.2 dS m-1), with four replications. The BRS GA1 variety exhibited the highest germination index and rate, in the germination stage, despite being more sensitive to salinity than the BRS RC. There was no damage to the photosynthetic apparatus in the BRS GA1 seedlings during growth, as demonstrated by the higher leaf biomass, when compared to the BRS RC variety. RESUMO O uso de água salina na irrigação provoca redução no crescimento e produtividade de culturas agrícolas. Objetivou-se avaliar a germinação, emergência, fisiologia e crescimento de mudas de duas variedades de maracujazeiro, sob irrigação com água salina. A pesquisa foi conduzida em duas etapas: a primeira em laboratório e a segunda em casa-de-vegetação, sob delineamento em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2 x 4, correspondendo a duas variedades de maracujazeiro (BRS RC e BRS GA1) e quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (0,2 dS m-1; 2,2 dS m-1; 4,2 dS m-1; e 6,2 dS m-1), com quatro repetições. A variedade BRS GA1, apesar de ser mais sensível ao nível de salinidade do que a BRS RC, na fase de germinação, apresenta maior índice e porcentagem de germinação. Durante o crescimento das mudas, a variedade BRS GA1 não sofre danos no aparelho fotossintético, como evidenciado pela maior biomassa das folhas que na BRS RC.

A major challenge in sugarcane breeding program is the obtaining of enough number of seeds (caryopses) for the development of new improved cultivars. Genotypes differ in their function as pollen recipient and pollen donor, which also affect the seed performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the production and performance of sugarcane seeds from different hybridizations involving RB92579 as pollen recipient and pollen donor. Twelve bi-parental crossings were carried out involving RB92579 and other different genotypes randomly chosen. Seed production potential was evaluated by percentage of fertile spikelets and caryopsis fresh weight. The seed physiological potential was determined by evaluating germination and vigor (index of germination rate, number of normal seedlings per gram of fuzz, and seedling dry weight). The results showed better performance for RB92579 as pollen donor for all characteristics studied. Therefore, RB92579 sugarcane cultivar should be used as pollen donor during hybridizations, condition that permits a greater production and physiological performance of seeds for the sugarcane breeding programs.

Caesalpinia pulcherrima is an exotic shrub species, belonging to the Fabaceae family, that has medicinal properties, and is widely used for urban afforestation. The objective of this research was to evaluate the overcoming of the C. pulcherrima seed dormancy, the influence of temperature, storage, and water quantity on the substrate in the germination of the species, as well as the use of the tetrazolium test for viability analysis. The analyzes were carried out at the Plant Propagation Laboratory at the Agricultural Sciences Center of the Federal University of Alagoas, in the municipality of Rio Largo, Brazil, and at the Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Arapiraca Campus, at the same University. The experiments were performed under a completely randomized design, with four replicates of 25 seeds. The results demonstrated that during storage the seeds developed a possible secondary dormancy, which was overcome with a time of twelve months of storage. The C. pulcherrima seeds subjected to the test of light qualities presented a significant difference in their germination percentage when verified with the time of storage. In the far-red quality, the newly harvested seeds had a germination percentage of (98%), higher than seeds with 12 months of storage (80.5%). The water volume 3.5-fold the weight of the dry paper provides (90%) germination when compared to other volumes. The tetrazolium salt concentrations of 0.075% and 0.1%, under the temperature of 30°C within 2 hours, are indicated for the viability analysis of Caesalpinia pulcherrima seeds.

The potential economic and environmental benefits brought by bromeliads production are significant. It is noteworthy that the high degree of degradation of some ecosystems as the Atlantic forest involve reduction of these species. This factor has been worsened by the elevated degree of endemism of these plants, e.g. Aechmea costantinii (Mez) L. B. Sm., which is a high ornamental potential bromeliad but understudied. Thus, the present research aimed to characterize physical and morphological features of A. costantinii fruit and seeds, describing the different stages of post-seminal development, as well as evaluating seed germination behavior with respect to temperature and light. For this purpose, we used fruit and seeds freshly harvested from an Atlantic Forest fragment, located in the city of Maceió, Alagoas State, Brazil. Tests were carried out under a completely randomized design, in a 6x4 factorial scheme (temperature x light) with four replications of 25 seeds. The polyspermic fruit are of tricarpellate/triloculate type and originated from inferior ovary, containing an average of 73 elliptical and mucilaginous seeds with basal embryo. The germination is epigeal-type and occurs in a great intensity and high speed at 35 °C, regardless light presence or quality. RESUMO: O potencial econômico e os benefícios ambientais que as bromélias podem proporcionar por meio de sua produção são significantes. Salienta-se que em virtude do alto grau de degradação da Mata Atlântica, essas espécies têm sido reduzidas, fator agravado pelo elevado grau de endemismo destas, a exemplo da Aechmea costantinii (Mez) L. B. Sm., que é uma bromélia de alto potencial ornamental, porém pouco estudada. Dessa forma, o trabalho teve como objetivo a caracterização física e morfológica dos frutos e sementes, descrição das diferentes fases do desenvolvimento pós-seminal, bem como a avaliação do comportamento germinativo das sementes em função da temperatura e da luz. Para a condução do trabalho, utilizaram-se frutos e sementes recém colhidos de um fragmento de Mata Atlântica, no município de Maceió, Alagoas, Brasil. Os ensaios foram conduzidos sob delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 6x4 (temperatura x luz) com quatro repetições de 25 sementes. Os frutos polispérmicos do tipo tricarpelar/trilocular, indeiscentes, são originados de ovário ínfero, contendo em média 73 sementes elípticas, mucilaginosas, com embrião basal. A germinação é do tipo epígea, ocorrendo em maior intensidade e velocidade a 35 oC, independente da presença e qualidade de luz.

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198050986630 Anadenanthera macrocarpa (Benth.) Brenan é uma espécie arbórea, pertencente à família Leguminosae- Mimosoideae, sendo popularmente conhecida como angico-preto. Possui característica dos estádios iniciais da sucessão, ocorrência natural no Brasil, podendo formar agrupamentos quase homogêneos, com grande potencial na recuperação de áreas degradadas. O presente trabalho foi conduzido no Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal de Alagoas, objetivando a caracterização física e morfológica das sementes, descrição das diferentes fases do desenvolvimento pós-seminal, bem como avaliar diferentes condições de temperaturas e substratos para a realização do teste de germinação. As sementes foram extraídas manualmente, em seguida homogeneizadas, onde duas amostras de 50 sementes foram usadas para a determinação da umidade inicial. Uma outra amostra, composta por oito repetições de 100 sementes, foi utilizada para a medição biométrica e número de sementes por fruto. Na caracterização morfológica, as sementes foram imersas em água destilada para possibilitar os cortes, sendo as estruturas observadas em microscópio estereoscópio. No estudo pós-seminal, foram observados diariamente os processos de crescimento das plântulas em substrato rolo de papel-filtro e temperatura constante de 30 °C. Para avaliação do comportamento germinativo foram testadas as temperatura constantes de 15 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C e alternada de 20-30 °C, em substratos papel e areia, e foi avaliada a porcentagem, índice de velocidade de germinação e distribuição da frequência relativa, sendo os ensaios conduzidos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 5 x 2 (temperatura x substrato) com quatro repetições de 25 sementes, sendo as médias comparadas pelo teste Duncan a 5 % de probabilidade de erro. Os frutos de angico-preto apresentam grande variação no número de sementes por fruto. O eixo embrionário ocupa parte da região central da semente com posição axial e linear. A germinação é do tipo epígea e as plântulas são fanerocotiledonares. A temperatura constante de 30 °C e o substrato papel-filtro proporcionaram maiores médias de porcentagem e velocidade de germinação.

Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-27T11:27:06Z No. of bitstreams: 0Bitstream added on 2014-05-27T14:31:50Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 2-s2.0-84867170309.pdf: 1251317 bytes, checksum: 40798e9240d7d8e0351fa490ce108492 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-27T11:27:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2012-10-11 Anadenanthera macrocarpa (Benth.) Brenan is a tree species belonging to the family Leguminosae-Mimosoideae which is popularly known as mimosa-black. It features characteristics of early successional, natural occurrence in Brazil and can form clusters almost homogeneous, with great potential in the recovery of degraded areas. This study was conducted at the Center for Agricultural Sciences, University Federal of Alagoas state, aiming at the physical and morphological characterization of seeds, describing the various stages of post-seminal development, and to evaluate various conditions of temperature and substrate to perform the test germination. The seeds were manually extracted, then homogenized, where two samples of 50 seeds were used to determine the initial moisture. Another sample, consisting of eight repetitions of 100 seeds was used to measure the biometry and the number of seeds per fruit. The morphological characterization and the seeds were immersed in distilled water to allow the cuts to the observed structure in microscopes. In the post-seminal study, it was observed the daily processes of seedling growth in rolled paper filter and constant temperature of 30 °C. To assess the germination behavior, the constant temperatures of 15 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C and 20-30 °C as well as the paper and the sand substrates were tested and it was evaluated the percentage, the rate of germination, the relative frequency distribution, and the tests conducted in a randomized design in factorial 5 x 2 (x substrate temperature) with four replicates of 25 seeds, and the averages compared by Duncan 5 % probability. The fruits of black angico show great variation in the seed number per fruit. The embryonic axis occupies part of the central region of the seed with axial and linear positions. The germination is epigeal and the seedlings are fanerocotylar. The temperature determines the 30 °C and the filter paper substrate provided higher average percentage and germination rate. Departamento de Produção Vegetal Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, Caixa Postal 237, CEP 18603-970, Botucatu (SP) Departamento de Fitotecnia e Fitossanidade Centro de Ciências Agrárias Universidade Federal Alagoas, BR 104, Norte, Km 85, CEP 57100-000, Rio Largo (AL) Departamento de Produção Vegetal Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, Caixa Postal 237, CEP 18603-970, Botucatu (SP)

The soil mulch is an agricultural practice that can benefit soil fertility and can be effective in suppressing weeds. The objective this research was to evaluate the mulching from legumes in weed control and sugarcane (first harvest/cut) productivity, comparing the results with the conventional application of herbicides. This research was carried out under field conditions. Five legumes were managed in two ways to form the soil cover: (1) mechanical topple, and (2) chemically desiccated. To compare the results, used treatments with herbicides applied in pre and pre + post emergence. The soil mulch from mechanical topple of Crotalaria spectabilis, C. juncea, C. ochroleuca, C. breviflora and Cajanus cajan presented lower efficiency in suppressing weeds than the treatment with herbicides applied in pre + post-emergence, however, were more efficient in controlling weeds in relation to the use of herbicides in pre-emergence, a fact observed at 60 days of sugarcane cultivation.

S. saponaria L. is a Brazilian native arboreal species, with relevant ecological importance in the recovery of degraded and marginal areas. The objectives of the present study were to characterize morphometrically Sapindus saponaria L. seeds, to extract and to quantify oil content, establish the percent composition of fatty acids; to describe their different post-seminal stages; to describe the different post-seminal stages, as well as to evaluate the germinative performance of the seeds as a function of different treatments to overcome dormancy. Seeds were evaluated as to water content and biometric length and width. The extraction and quantification of the seed oil was obtained by the solvent extraction method using the Soxhlet extractor system. Regarding the post-seminal development, some processes triggered during growth and development of the seedlings were evaluated. The treatments for dormancy overcoming were: mechanical scarification, chemical scarification with sulfuric acid for 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 minutes, immersion in hot water (80 ºC) until reaching room temperature, immersion in distilled water at room temperature for 24 hours and intact seeds (control). The seeds were evaluated for germination, velocity, medium time, synchrony and germination uncertainty. The design was a completely randomized design with four replicates of 25 seeds per treatment. The seeds present on average 10.3 mm in length and 10.2 mm in width with hygene-cryptocoledonar germination. The oil content found in the seeds was 7.25%, most of which was composed of unsaturated fatty acids (78.9%). The highest values of germination occur when the seeds are immersed in sulfuric acid for 30 minutes.

The aim of this study was to determine the cardinal temperatures for germinating colubrina seeds, verify isothermal velocity variation based on the transition state model and calculate the ΔH≠ variation as a function of temperature. Seeds were incubated at constant temperatures of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 oC and alternating temperature from 20-30 oC in an 8-hour photoperiod. The variables analyzed were: G, PC, IVG, TMG, VMG, Fi, U, Z, CR, CPA, MSR and MSP. Arrhenius equation was linearized by logarithmic transformation, producing the graph of -RlnV × 1/T from the experimental values of velocity. A net enthalpy change (Delta H≠) in relation to temperature was represented by the expression: Delta H≠ = [RT(Theta – T) × (Tm + TM)]/[(T – Tm) × (TM – T)]. The logarithm regression of the reaction rate on the reciprocal of the temperature fit best to the quadratic model. The distribution of Delta H≠ with asymptotes close to Tm and TM indicated that the processes that occurred in the supra-optimal temperature range were of a different nature from those that occurred in the infra-optimal temperature range. The data showed |Delta H≠| < 12 Kcal/mol in the optimal range and |Delta H≠| > 30 Kcal/mol for temperatures of 10, 15 and 35 oC. The minimum and maximum temperature limits were 10 and 35 oC, respectively. Germination speed was related to temperature in a curvilinear manner. The germination process was endergonic and only occurred when energy was ≥ -38.35 Kcal/mol and ≤ 32.42 Kcal/mol.

The Brazilian market of tropical flowers has been growing broadly with a strong participation of the Northeast Region, where the State of Alagoas stands out. Among the exporting tropical cut flowers, pink ginger (Alpinia purpurata (Vieill) K. Schum) has been one of the most promising species. Aiming at delaying senescence in floral stems of pink ginger, two laboratory experiments were carried out at the Agricultural Science Center of the Federal University of Alagoas. In the first experiment, three different exposure periods (30; 60, and 120 minutes) to silver thiosulphate 1 mM were tested, followed or not by pulsing in a 20% sucrose solution, for 12 hours. In the second experiment, we evaluated the effect of adding calcium sulphate 50 and 100 mM, sodium silicate 1.25 and 2.5 mM, and the combination of calcium sulphate 50mM + sodium silicate 1.25mM on the hydric status and longevity of floral stems. In both experiments, the control treatment consisted of keeping stems in distilled water. Fresh biomass and quality of floral stems were determined every other day. Silver thiosulphate applied in pulsing for 60 minutes or more led to stem dehydration, whereas calcium sulphate improved both stem hydration and commercial durability. O mercado brasileiro de flores tropicais encontra-se em franco crescimento, com uma importante participação da região Nordeste, destacando-se o estado de Alagoas. Dentre as flores tropicais de corte para exportação, a alpínia (Alpiniapurpurata (Vieill) K. Schum) ocupa posição de destaque. Visando retardar a senescência das hastes florais de alpínia, cultivar Pink Ginger, foram conduzidos dois experimentos em laboratório no CCA da Universidade Federal de Alagoas. No primeiro, foram testados três tempos (30; 60 e 120 minutos) de exposição ao tiossulfato de prata 1 mM, seguido ou não de pulsing em sacarose a 20%, por 12 horas. No segundo experimento foram verificados os efeitos nas relações hídricas e longevidade das hastes da adição de sulfato de cálcio a 50 e 100 mM, silicato de sódio a 1,25 e 2,50 mM, além da interação sulfato de cálcio a 50 mM + silicato de sódio a 1,25 mM, em solução de manutenção. Nos dois experimentos, a testemunha consistiu da manutenção das hastes em água destilada. A massa fresca e a qualidade das hastes foram determinadas a cada dois dias. O tiossulfato de prata, aplicado na forma de pulsing por 60 minutos ou mais, promoveu desidratação das hastes. O uso de sulfato de cálcio promoveu aumento da durabilidade comercial e melhoria da hidratação das hastes.

Parkia pendula (Willd.) Benth. ex Walp., é uma espécie arbórea, característica dos estádios iniciais da sucessão, de ocorrência natural no Brasil. Pertence à família Fabaceae, com grande potencial na recuperação de áreas degradadas. O presente trabalho foi conduzido no Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal de Alagoas, objetivando a caracterização morfométrica de frutos e sementes dessa espécie, bem como identificar a melhor temperatura para uso em testes de germinação. O fruto é do tipo legume, deiscente, polispérmico, contendo em média 16 sementes por unidade. Estas apresentam formato elipsoidal, embrião axial, com 10,1 mm de comprimento, 4,9 mm de largura por 3,1mm de espessura. As temperaturas de 25 e 30oC proporcionaram as maiores porcentagem e velocidade de germinação, enquanto que a temperatura de 15oC e acima de 35ºC influenciaram negativamente a germinabilidade das sementes.

Thespesia populnea (L.) Soland. ex Correa é espécie arbórea pertencente à família Malvaceae, característica dos estágios iniciais da sucessão, com potencial para uso em reflorestamento visando à recuperação de áreas degradadas, particularmente em regiões costeiras. O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido durante no período de 2005 e 2006, com objetivo de estudar a biometria e morfologia de frutos e sementes dessa espécie, bem como avaliar diferentes tratamentos para acelerar e/ou uniformizar a germinação das sementes, nas temperaturas de 25 e 30 ºC. O fruto é esquizocarpico, indeiscente, contendo, em média, 8 sementes angulares, dotadas de estrias e pelos em toda a superfície, com 6,3 mm de comprimento por 4,3 mm de largura, em média. O embrião é do tipo axial plicado, com eixo hipocótilo-radícula cilíndrico. A imersão das sementes em ácido sulfúrico concentrado por 30 minutos foi eficiente na superação da dormência dessa espécie, promovendo aumento na porcentagem e velocidade de germinação a 30 ºC.