Effect of seed weight and temperature on seedling germination and growth of mango varieties Espada and Ubá.
Borges C. A. M., Siqueira D. L. de, Dias D. C. F. dos S., Cardoso A. A.
Author Affiliation: Departamento de Fitotecnia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, CEP 36570-000, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura 20 : 272-282
Abstract : Experiments were carried out at the Seed Laboratory of the Federal University of Viçosa Brazil, to evaluate the effect of the weight of seeds and temperature on seed germination and seedling growth of the polyembryonic mango varieties Espada and Ubá. The seeds were classified into 3 weight classes for each variety. Espada seeds were classified I (up to 15.5 g), II (15.6-19.0 g) and III (>19.0 g); Ubá seeds were classified I (up to 9.0 g), II (9.5-10.5 g) and III (>11.0 g). The temperatures studied were 10, 20, 30 and 40°C. Germination percentage, germination velocity index, emergence percentage, emergence velocity index, shoot fresh matter weight and root system fresh matter weight were evaluated. Light seeds showed poorer performance, for both cultivars studied, with respect to germination and seedling growth. Hence, the elimination of these seeds and the use of heavier ones is recommended. A temperature of 30°C favoured the germination and seedling development of both cultivars. Ubá was more sensitive to temperature stress than Espada.