<i>In vitro</i> germination and growth of babassu (<i>orbygnia phalerata</i> Mart.) embryos subjected to different drying temperatures

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of babassu (Orbygnia phalerata Mart.) embryos in relation to drying rate. The fruits were kept in a dry chamber with forced air circulation at 57 ± 2°C and 37 ± 2°C for 0, 6 and 11 days. An interaction between the drying time and temperature on water loss was not observed. Fruits dried at 37 ± 2°C failed to achieve the same water content values as those dried at 57 ± 2°C. Embryos dehydrated at 37 ± 2°C remained viable even after 11 days of drying, while embryos dehydrated at 57 ± 2°C were dead after 6 days of drying. Germination percentages above 67% were obtained for all times at drying 37°C, even for seeds with 9% water content, which highlights a possible orthodox behavior. Under the experimental conditions of the present study, drying embryos at 57 ± 2°C decreased the percentage and speed of germination as well as the initial growth of seedlings.

Keywords: Arecaceae, desiccation tolerance, orthodox seeds