Análise biométrica multidimensional com tratamentos pré-germinativos em sementes e caracterização morfológica de plântulas de Mimosa bimucronata (De Candolle) Otto Kuntze

Mimosa bimucronata is a plant species that can be used in reforestation programs, and initial studies for the production of seedlings are needed. Due to the importance of this plant species and the scarcity of information on seed germination, this research was carried out with the objective of evaluate i) the biometric characteristics of the seeds by multivariate analysis, ii) the effect of seed pretreatment on germination, and iii)  to characterize morphologically the different stages of germination and seedling. The biometry and seed mass and eight pre-germination treatments were analyzed: control; sulfuric acid (98%) for two; five and 10 min; hot water at 70 to 80 °C for 2 min; mechanical scarification and distilled water for 24 h. The different stages of seed development were evaluated until seedling formation. The seeds were exposed to two environments - laboratory and greenhouse. The percentage of germination and emergence were evaluated; germination and emergence speed index; and average time of germination and emergence. According to the multivariate analysis, the seeds were classified into three groups, with classes II and III being the most suitable for seedling production. Germination with sulfuric acid and sandpaper were the most indicated. The species presents 10 stages of development.