SEED METRICS AND INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURES AND PRE-GERMINATION TREATMENTS ON GERMINATION OF CAESALPINIA FERREA SEEDS

The objective of this study was to evaluate seed metrics, optimum temperature for germination and efficiency five pre-germination treatments overcoming dormancy Caesalpinia ferrea seeds. Seeds were subjected constant temperatures 15, 20, 25, 30 35°C the following treatments: nicking with pincers; immersion in water 24 hours at room temperature; scarification sandpaper; caustic soda 60 minutes; control (untreated seeds). Germination rate assessed by percentage speed index. A completely randomized design used four replicates 50 seeds each means compared Tukey test 5% probability. best performance obtained 15-30°C range using chemical soda, mechanical pincers rubbing on sandpaper.