Teste de tetrazólio na avaliação da viabilidade de sementes de Mimosa verrucosa Benth

Abstract

This study aimed to promote research involving seeds of forest species that occur naturally in arid and/or semi-arid regions, adapted to the climate and intrinsic characteristics of the Northeastern Caatinga. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the optimal concentration and immersion time in a tetrazolium solution, specific to Mimosa verrucosa. For the seed preparation and staining methodology, a completely randomized design was used, with a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial experiment (concentrations × immersion times in tetrazolium salt + germination test). The concentrations and immersion times were predetermined based on the specific characteristics of Mimosa verrucosa. The results of the tetrazolium staining test were expressed as the percentage of viable seeds, while the control result was expressed as the germination percentage. Seeds of jurema-branca (Mimosa verrucosa) immersed in tetrazolium salt at a concentration of 0.05% for 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 hours showed viabilities of 34%, 66%, and 68%, respectively. Similar results were observed when seeds were subjected to a 0.075% concentration for 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 hours, with viable seed percentages of 42%, 62%, and 66%, respectively. This project was a pioneer in the study of Caatinga seeds, particularly regarding the tetrazolium test, as no prior studies were found addressing specific methodologies or presenting a color chart for rapid assessment of seed vigor in M. verrucosa or other Fabaceae species in the semi-arid region.