Germination of palm seeds under periods of rehydration

Abstract Palm seeds are indicative of being recalcitrant species. Seeds germination for many species, is slow and uneven, even in favorable conditions, often due to the resistance woody endocarp that makes them impermeable water. Most species also have characteristic not tolerating drying process at low moisture levels, thus losing their viability. In view these considerations, objective was evaluate effect different periods rehydration on germinative royal palm, dwarf palm jeriva. were homogenized immersed water containing 3 times volume, with daily replacement. The experimental design used completely randomized, 5 treatments (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 days rehydration), 4 replications 25 seeds. placed transparent “gerbox” plastic boxes medium vermiculite as substrate BOD a photoperiod 16-hour light respective optimum temperatures each number germinated counted every 2 until stabilized. variables analyzed percentage, speed index (GSI), average time (AGT) distribution over days. Rehydration increased rate For jeriva did influence variables. GSI AGT negatively influenced by palm. prolonged peak studied