INDICADORES DE MATURIDADE FISIOLÓGICA EM SEMENTES DE Poincianella pyramidalis (TUL.) L. P. QUEIROZ

Abstract

The catingueira (Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul.) LP Queiroz) is a tree species endemic to the Caatinga, quite explored due to its multiple uses. Information about their propagation and management are still scarce, which justified studies on these aspects. This study aimed to determine the physiological maturation of seeds of P. pyramidalis by evaluating morphophysiologic aspects of fruit and seeds during the maturation process. Fieldwork was conducted in Caatinga area in the municipality of Soledad - PB, and the determinations and tests conducted at the Laboratory of Seed Analysis in Areia-PB. To this end, fruits and seeds at different stages of maturation were evaluated for size, water content, dry matter accumulation, germination and vigor (first count, speed and médio time of germination and length and seedling dry. The experimental design was completely randomized, data were subjected to analysis of variance and polynomial regression. The physiological maturation of P. pyramidalis is reached between 120 and 135 days after flowering, when the seeds reach maximum dry weight, germination, vigor, reduced water content, light brown and bright fruit with light brown coloring.