Evaluation of the Quality of Farinha-Seca Seeds (Albizia hasslerii) by the Tetrazolium Test

Abstract

Lower-cost methods of recovering native tree vegetation in degraded areas, such as direct seeding in the field, need to overcome some barriers such as the high amount of seeds required, and the difference between the percentage of germination obtained in the field and the laboratory. In this sense, the application of faster tests, than the traditional ones of germination, can help in the determination of the quality of the seeds. In this study, the quality of farinha-seca seeds (Albizia hasslerii) was evaluated by the tetrazolium test comparing with the germination obtained in the laboratory and in the nursery. Germination tests were carried out in a BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) growing chamber, under greenhouse sowing, and tested with 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride in two concentrations (0.3% and 0.5%). The results showed that the percentage of viable seeds obtained in seeds scarified in sulfuric acid for 3 minutes, before soaking for 24 hours for tegument removal, and immersed in 0.5% tetrazolium solution for 2 hours, is similar to the percentage of germination obtained in BOD and in greenhouse.