Effect of temperature and coat in the germination of Calophyllum brasiliense seeds

Due to the increasing demand for informations about species with potential for being introduced in degraded environment, it is important the physiological knowledge of seeds germination, aiming their rational exploration. The objective of this research was to evaluate the behaviour of seed imbibition, to determine the germination optimum temperature and the effect of coat seeds withdrawing in the germination of Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. The germination was performed in paper rolls, with four replicates of 25 seeds each, disposed in a complete randomized design. The results of imbibition curve showed that seed-coat has as hindance for the water absorption by seed. In relation to temperature, it was observed a higher germination percentage at 30 degrees C (constant) and 30/20 degrees C (alternate). Higher speed germination index (IVG) was also observed at 30 degrees C. The seeds incubated at 10 degrees C, 15 degrees C and 40 degrees C did not germinate. The lowest values of germination mean time was at 30 degrees C, 30/20 degrees C and 35 degrees C. No significative differences were verified in relation to germinability with and without tegument, although the tegument reduced the germination rate.