Effect of Temperature and KNO3 in the Germination of Acnistus arborescens (Solanaceae)

ABSTRACT The propagation of Acnistus arborescens (fruto-do-sabiá) is usually made using cuttings, because the germination percentage of this species is low. The objective of this work was to study the effect of temperature and potassium nitrate (KNO3) stimulant on the germination of fruto-do-sabiá. The experiment was conducted under four temperature regimes (20, 25, 30 and 20-30 °C), with and without potassium nitrate, in a completely randomized design with four replications of 50 seeds each. The percentage, speed index, and average time of germination were evaluated. Under constant temperatures, KNO3 improved germination, with the highest percentages (>68%) obtained at the temperatures of 20 and 25 °C. The alternating temperature of 20-30 °C was effective in overcoming seed dormancy without addition of KNO3; therefore, besides the vegetative propagation, the production of seedlings from seeds is viable.