SUBSTRATE MOISTURE AND TEMPERATURE IN GERMINATION OF Parkia platycephala BENTH. SEEDS

The Parkia platycephala Benth. (faveira) is a leguminous tree, known as a provider of commercial wood in the Amazon rain forest. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different volumes of water for substrate moisture and temperatures on germination of Parkia platycephala. After this, they were sowing over towel paper, organized in rolls wetted with water contents equivalent to 2.0; 2.5; 3.0 and 3.5 times the weight of the substrate without new water addition, and they were maintained in chambers at constant temperatures of 20, 25, 30 degrees C and alternate temperature 20-30 degrees C. The following parameters were analyzed: the germination percentage, first count germination, index of germination speed, length and dry mass of seedlings (shoot and root). A completely randomized design was used with a 4 x 4 factorial (water volumes and temperatures). The moistening of the substrate with 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 times the weight of the paper at temperatures of 25, 30 and 20-30 degrees C can be used for germination and vigor of Parkia platycephala Benth. The temperature of 20 degrees C and all volumes of water tested for wetting the substrate reduced the germination and the vigor of these seeds.