Physiological quality of Moquiniastrum polymorphum seeds processed with a general seed blower

Abstract

This study evaluates the physiological quality of Moquiniastrum polymorphum seeds, processed by a General seed blower, based on their germinability at different temperatures and on the imbibition curve, aiming to support future studies of M. polymorphum seeds processed by a General seed blower. Seeds were characterized regarding moisture, purity, germinability and thousand seed weight. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design (CRD). To characterize the triphasic process of germination, the imbibition curve during seed germination was modelled using 2 samples of seeds weighing 0.05 g. Physiological seed quality was assessed using a thermogradient table at 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 °C (with constant light supply) and by calculating the germination speed index (GSI), along with the time to reach 50% germination (T50) and uniformity of germination (U75-25). Each temperature treatment included 4 replications of 50 seeds each. It was found that the optimum temperature for germination was 30 °C with constant light supply, resulting in higher means of normal seedlings, GSI, T50 and U75-25. Moreover, the imbibition curve at 30 °C and constant light supply exhibited a triphasic pattern common to seed germination. In conclusion, the new findings on the germinative potential of M. polymorphum seeds processed by a General seed blower uncovered here can be applied in the methodology of future studies of M. polymorphum or used as recommendations for species of the same genus