Alterações nas reservas de sementes de Dalbergia nigra ((Vell.) Fr. All. ex Benth.) durante a hidratação

Seed imbibitions is the first stage of the germination process and is characterized by the hydration of tissues and cells and the activation and/or induction of the enzymes responsible for mobilizing reserves for respiration and the construction of new cell structures. The objective of this study was to investigate the alterations in reserve substances during slow hydration of Bahia Rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) seeds in water. Seeds from two different lots (Lot I and II) were placed in saturated desiccators (95-99% RH) to hydrate at 15 and 25 °C until water contents of 10, 15, 20 and 25% were reached. At each level of hydration, changes in lipid reserves, soluble carbohydrates, starch and soluble proteins were evaluated. The mobilization of reserves was similarly assessed in both lots, with no differences being observed between the two hydration temperatures. Lipid contents showed little variation during hydration, while the contents of soluble carbohydrates and starch decreased after the 15% water content level. Soluble proteins showed a gradual tendency to decrease between the control (dry seeds) up to 25% water content

The design of seed storage facilities for genetic conservation

This is an in-depth report of the factors to be taken into consideration when designing seed storage facilities for genetic conservation. (Revised 1990). Also in Chines

Ações fisiológicas do calor e do ácido sulfúrico em sementes de Brachiaria brizantha cultivar marandu Physiological actions of heat and sulphuric acid on Brachiaria brizantha 'marandu' seeds

Objetivando aprimorar o método de aplicação de calor para a superação da dormência de sementes de Brachiaria brizantha cultivar Marandu, foi estudado o comportamento fisiológico de amostras de dez lotes de sementes dessa forrageira, com taxas de dormência superiores a 25%, quando expostas à temperatura de 70 ºC por 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 e 30 horas e à imersão em ácido sulfúrico concentrado por 15 minutos. No início (efeito imediato) e após seis meses (efeito latente) de armazenamento em condições ambientes não controladas, foram feitas as seguintes avaliações: teor de água, germinação, viabilidade pelo tetrazólio, emergência em areia, índice de velocidade de emergência e comprimento da parte aérea das plântulas. Pelos resultados verificou-se que as exposições das sementes a 70 ºC ou a ácido sulfúrico concentrado reduzem a taxa de dormência e favorecem o desempenho fisiológico. Após seis meses de armazenamento, as sementes submetidas a 70 ºC por 5 horas mostram desempenho superior às dos demais tratamentos.<br>Aiming at to improve the methodology for application of heat to break dormancy seeds of Brachiaria brizantha `Marandu', the physiological performance of samples of ten seed lots of this forage, with dormancy indices superior to 25%, was studied after exposure to 70 ºC for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 hours and immersion in concentrated sulphuric acid for 15 minutes. At the beginning (immediate effect) and after six months (latent effect) storage under ambient uncontrolled conditions, the following evaluations were made: water content, germination, tetrazolium viability, sand emergence, speed of emergence index and shoot length. Results indicated that exposure of seeds to 70 ºC or to concentrated sulphuric acid reduce the dormancy rate and favor the physiological performance; after six months, the seeds submitted to 70 ºC for 5 hours show performance superior to those of the other treatments

Comportamento fisiológico de sementes de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) submetidas à desidratação Physiology behavior of Euterpe oleracea seeds submitted to desiccation

O presente trabalho, objetivando verificar os efeitos imediatos da desidratação sobre o comportamento fisiológico das sementes de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), utilizou lote oriundo de população de 25 progênies de meio-irmãos, pertencente à Coleção de Germoplasma da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental (Belém/PA). Anteriormente à secagem, foi determinado o grau de umidade das sementes e coletado o tratamento que continha o maior grau de umidade (45%). As demais sementes foram submetidas à secagem, em câmara com circulação de ar (30ºC&plusmn;2ºC), visando à obtenção dos demais tratamentos com 39%, 33%, 27%, 22% e 15% de água. O efeito da desidratação sobre a qualidade das sementes foi avaliado através das seguintes determinações: grau de umidade, teste de germinação, índice de velocidade de emergência e emergência de plântulas. Foi verificado que a desidratação até 39% de água não produz efeitos fisiológicos imediatos sobre as sementes de açaí; a partir de 33% de água, a dessecação favorece progressivamente a redução da germinação e, ao atingir 15% de água, a capacidade germinativa foi anulada.<br>The objective of this article was to verify the physiological effects of desiccation of Euterpe oleracea Mart. seeds. Açai palm seeds from twenty five progenies from the germoplasm collection of Embrapa Amazônia Oriental (Belém, State of Pará, Brazil) were used. Before the desiccation, it was determined the moisture content of the lot and it was removed the treatment with the highest moisture content (45%). The other seeds of the lot were submitted to drying in a chamber with air circulation at 30&plusmn;2ºC aiming to reach the treatments at 39%, 33%, 27%, 22% and 15% of water. The effects of dehydration were evaluated by means of the following determinations: moisture content, germination test, speed and emergency of seedlings. It was concluded that the desiccation to 39% moisture content does not affect the physiology of Euterpe oleracea seeds, but the drying around 33% of water reduce the vigour and germination rates. The seeds did not germinate when the moisture content was 15%