Ethanol test as a determinant of physiological potential of forest species seeds: The case of Plathymenia reticulata Benth. (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae), a tree of interest for Atlantic Forest restoration

Abstract: The ethanol test supplies information on physiological problems related to seed deterioration. The test optimization is crucial for its application in the seed analysis routine. This study aimed to evaluate vigor test for Plathymenia reticulataseeds based on ethanol production in order to establish execution guidelines and verify its relationship with other seed vigor tests. Seed lots were subjected to germination and vigor tests, and seed coat evaluation. Ethanol production assessment was carried out based on two trials testing water volumes for imbibition (0.25; 0.5; 0.75; 1.00; and 1.25 mL), reading periods (2, 4, 6, 8, 24, and 48 h), and seed quantities (5, 10, and 15). There was a distinction in physiological potential between the lots, indicated by the ethanol test and other traditionally used tests. The ethanol test was efficient for vigor assessment in Plathymenia seeds, as were the other vigor tests, when conducted with 15 seeds imbibed in a volume of water 2.5 times their mass for 48 h. The vigor test based on ethanol production proved reliable and it is recommended for use in a system of seed production and commercialization in nurseries and forestry companies.

摘要：乙醇试验可提供与种子劣变相关的生理性状信息。该试验的优化对于其在常规种子检测中的应用至关重要。本研究旨在基于乙醇生成量，评估阔荚合欢（Plathymenia reticulata）种子的活力试验方法，以期建立标准化操作规范，并验证该试验与其他种子活力试验的相关性。本研究对多批种子开展了发芽试验、活力试验及种皮性状评估。乙醇生成量评估通过两组试验完成，分别考察吸胀用水量（0.25、0.5、0.75、1.00及1.25 mL）、读数时间（2、4、6、8、24及48小时）以及种子用量（5、10及15粒）。乙醇试验与其他常规应用的试验结果均显示，不同种子批的生理潜力存在显著差异。当采用15粒种子、按种子质量2.5倍的用水量进行吸胀处理并持续48小时时，乙醇试验与其他活力试验一样，均可有效评估阔荚合欢种子的活力水平。基于乙醇生成量的活力试验可靠性较强，建议在苗圃及林业企业的种子生产与商业化体系中推广应用。