BIOMETRIA DE FRUTOS E SEMENTES E TRATAMENTOS PRÉ-GERMINATIVOS EM SEMENTES DE Hymenaea courbaril

Fruit and seed characterization of forest species is crucial for ideal germination conditions and its use in the re-vegetation of degraded environments. Current research characterizes biometrically fruits and seeds and defines the method to overcome dormancy of Hymenaea courbaril seed. Length, width, thickness, mass of fruit and seeds were measured. Seeds underwent the following pre-germination treatments: seeds without any treatment (control); sulfuric acid for 10, 20 and 30 minutes; mechanical scarification; immersion in hot water at 100 °C until cooling. Biometric data underwent descriptive statistical analysis and frequency distribution. Percentage, speed index and mean germination period were assessed throughout germination. Results show that 15% of fruit biomass were allocated to seeds, namely, 72% in the rind and 13% in the pulp. Pre-germination method of chemical and mechanical scarification during 30 minutes provided 80 and 93% of germination, respectively. Fruits and seeds of H. courbaril provided a wide biometric and biomass variation, forming important characteristics in seed germination. Biomass varied between 2.90 and 4.34 g. Treatment with satisfactory germination were sulfuric acid and sandpaper.