Seed viability test of orchids native to the Brazilian Savanna1

ABSTRACT An essential factor for the formation of a native orchid seed bank is identification viability stored seeds. This study aimed to determine methodology optimizing tetrazolium test, in seeds two Orchidaceae medicinal species Brazilian Savanna. Seeds Miltonia flavescens Lindl. and Schomburgkia crispa were submitted three pre-conditioning conditions: no soaking (control), sucrose solution or distilled water. The then solution, with types conditioning: oven, water bath ambient temperature. M. showed germination 86.91 %, higher percentage viable (62.32 %) when + oven conditioning. For S. crispa, was 97.78 control treatment temperature (89.49 %). These results suggest that specific protocols should be used conduct test Orchidaceae. Moreover, performed on sample basis, only indicate viability.