Storage and germination of seeds of Handroanthus heptaphyllus (Mart.) Mattos

The aim of this study was to determine the substrate and the most suitable sowing method for germination, as well as the environment for storage of Handroanthus heptaphyllus seeds (ipê-roxo), and infer the health quality provided by different packaging. Experiment 1 has assessed the treatments (substrates - blotting paper, filter paper, vermiculite, sand, besides paper roll; and sowing methods - among and on the substrates). Experiment 2 has assessed storage in three environments (air conditioned room - 18 °C and 49% of relative humidity (RH); cold and wet chamber - 8 °C and 80% RH; and dry and cold chamber - 7.5 ºC and 55% RH) , for 300 days. Handroanthus heptaphyllus seed germination test can be performed using seeding among blotting paper, vermiculite, on sand, between sand, on vermiculite and between filter paper. The storage of the seeds in plastic bags kept in an air conditioned room and/or in a dry and cold chamber is suitable for the preservation of Handroanthus heptaphyllus seeds for a period of 300 days. The packaging in a dry and cold chamber environment has provided a lower incidence of fungi associated with the Handroanthus heptaphyllus seeds.