EFFECTS OF ALTITUDE ON SEEDS GERMINATION AND LUMINOSITY LEVELS ON THE VEGETATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi

Schinus terebinthifolius is a pioneer species of the Atlantic Forest. Thus, this study aims to evaluate germination process S. seeds collected in four sites with different altitudes (São Francisco do Sul/SC, 2.53 m; Foz Iguaçu/PR, 176.67 Maringá/PR, 458.00 Guarapuava/PR, 1,048.70 m) and their initial development under luminosity levels. For test, we used completely randomized experimental design 12 repetitions 50 per treatment. The seedlings were subjected levels 50, 60, 70, 100%. A triple factorial scheme, each factor (43), was seed collection site, luminosity, seedling’s period. Principal components analysis applied correlation matrix set response variables emerging from treatments. Seeds São Sul/SC presented higher vigor, better speed index (GSI), primary root aerial part length. However, they also worst result for vegetative growth 50%. Maringá/PR lower percentage GSI. Still, obtained results 70%. This confirmed that seedlings, when exposed than 60%, present adaptation development. Nonetheless, further studies about altitude management are required foster recovery degraded areas.