Germination and seedling vigour in Parkia platycephala Benth. in different substrates and temperatures

ABSTRACT Parkia platycephala Benth., known locally as Fava de Bolota, belongs to the Fabaceae family and occurs in areas of Caatinga-Cerrado transition, having great potential for use as timber, in landscaping and mainly as forage. The aim of this research was to provide information for the preparation of test protocols for seed germination and seedling vigour in P. platycephala submitted to different substrates and temperatures. To evaluate the effect of substrate and temperature, the seeds were sown on the following substrates: vermiculite, sand, powdered coconut, sugarcane bagasse, tropstrato®, Germitest paper (RP) and blotting paper, distributed in transparent plastic boxes under continuous lighting in a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) germinator at constant temperatures of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 °C, and alternating temperatures of 20-30 °C and 25-35 °C. The variables under evaluation were germination, germination speed index, mean germination time, primary root and shoot length and primary root and shoot dry weight. The alternating temperature of 25-35 °C combined with vermiculite is recommended for performing tests of germination and vigour in P. platycephala.