Características morfofuncionais das sementes de quatro espécies arbóreas da caatinga

Abstract

Seed morphological and functional characteristics provide information that may contribute to the understanding of plant ecological strategies for survival and colonization. These characteristics can provide useful information for the development of restoration programs. The present work aims to: 1) describe morphofunctional characteristics of four tree Caatinga species: Amburana cearensis, Anadenanthera colubrina, Cochlospermum vitifolium and Pseudobombax marginatum; 2) test if there are differences between their germination strategies; and 3) access how morphofunctional characteristics affect their germinative performance. Volume, fresh weight, dry weight and water content of seeds from four plant species were measured. To calculate Germination Velocity Index (IVG) and Percentage of Germination, seeds were germinated in Germitest paper rolls, during a 10 days period. The species that showed the highest IVG was Anadenanthera colubrina. In terms of percentage of Germination, Amburana cearensis was as efficient as the species A. colubrina, reaching almost 100% of seed germination. For all traits evaluated the species A. cearensis presented higher values, differing significantly from other species. The results showed that species that have more efficient germination have also greater IVG.