Thermotherapy on seed quality of Myracrodruon urundeuva

Termoterapia na qualidade de sementes de Myracrodruon urundeuva

The low quality of seeds and irrational exploitation have contributed to the endangerment of several forest species, such as aroeira-do-sertão (Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão). Since no agrochemicals are registered for the treatment of forest tree seeds, the use of alternative methods is essential. One such method is thermotherapy, which is effective in controlling seed-borne pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of thermotherapy on the sanitary and physiological quality of aroeira-do-sertão seeds. Seeds were collected from matrices trees in the municipality of Sousa, Paraíba (Brazil), and subjected to the following treatments: dicarboximide fungicide; moist heat at 40°C and 50°C for 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes; and a control group. The sanitary and physiological qualities of the treated seeds were assessed. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3×10 factorial scheme (matrices trees × ten treatments). The thermal treatment at 50°C proved to be a promising disease management strategy for M. urundeuva seeds, effectively controlling Alternaria sp. Thermotherapy at 50°C for 5 minutes did not impair the physiological quality of aroeira seeds and can be considered a sustainable alternative for producing high-vigor seedlings.

Keywords
Aroeira-do-sertão; Seed pathology; Thermal treatment