Dormancy overcoming in Panicum maximum seeds

Abstract

The objective of this research was to develop procedures to overcome the dormancy of Panicum maximum seeds. The following treatments were used: soaking in H2SO4 (98% and 36N) for 5 minutes; germination in paper moistened with KNO3 (0.2%); exposition to the temperatures of 40, 55 70 or 85ºC for 5, 10 or 15 hours. The seeds from all treatments were stored for 0, 2, 4 and 6 months. Germination was estimated using standard methods. The viability of non germinated seeds was evaluated using tetrazolium test. The dormancy was overcome by all the chemical and thermal treatments, but only the exposure to 40ºC increased the germination rate.

Guineagrass; germination; temperature; drying