Effect of Priming on Physiological Quality of Handroanthus serratifolius (Vahl.) Seeds

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of different priming treatments in the longevity of H. serratifolius seeds. Seeds were osmo-conditioned in PEG -1.0 MPa at 10, 15 and 20°C or hydro-primed at 5, 10 and 15°C. Final germination, speed and uniformity of germination were assessed. Priming did not affect the final percentage nor uniformity of germination; however, the germination speed was increased after hydropriming at 15°C and osmo-conditioning at 15°C compared to the control. Primed and not primed seeds were placed into an incubator (25°C, dark, 100% RH) until they reached 15% moisture content. Then, seeds were incubated in a container at 40°C for 0 to 144 hours, so, samples were taken in each period for determination of viability. The results suggest that priming increases longevity of H. serratifolius seeds.