Evaluation of pregerminative treatments in gulupa seeds (P. edulis f. edulis Sims).

Abstract The genus Passiflora, commonly known as fruits of passion, includes numerous species, including gulupa (Passiflora edulis f. edulis), of nutracetic and economic importance, both for consumption in nature and for its agro-industrial applicability. This research was developed to evaluate the effects of various pre-germinative treatments on the germination of gulupa seeds from the municipality of Ramiriquí (Boyacá), such as: exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorite of sodium (NaOCl), gibberellic acid (GA3), distilled water imbibition and stratification at 4 °C, in varying concentrations and exposure times (24 and 48 hours), using an experimental design completely random, with three repetitions of 50 seed each one. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between treatments, with H2O2 being 15% the most effective, with a germination percentage (PG) of 88% in exposed seeds for 48 hours. In the presence of NaOCl the percentages were lower 36 - 40%. GA3 at 100 ppm for 24 hours recorded 51% PG, at the other concentrations of this growth regulator and exposure times this value was lower. The use of H2O2 has not been reported as a treatment to induce germination in the genus Passiflora. These results can be applied for the treatment of seeds in plant species can be a viable, effective, economical and easily applicable alternative.