BIOMETRICS OF MULUNGU SEEDS FROM DIFFERENT MOTHER PLANTS IN THE SEMI-ARID REGION OF PARAÍBA, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT Erythrina velutina Willd. (Fabaceae) is drought tolerant and has the potential for reforestation in semi-arid region. The response of its seeds to environmental conditions each production area influences their size, weight, physiological potential, health. Thus, this study aimed assess how different regions Paraíba influence biometric characteristics E. seeds. Seeds from 19 mother plants collected Juru, Sumé, Araçagi, Guarabira, São João do Cariri, Esperança, Queimadas, Cuité, Boa Vista, Areia, state Paraíba, Brazil, were used study. Water content, thousand-seed (length, width, thickness) determined location. water content ranged 3.11 6.84%, while weight was higher grown Sumé Cuité. Seed length 9.00 16.84 mm, being Juru. thickness width 5 12.99 mm larger Temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind, precipitation caused variations length, seeds, with means observed