Seed characterization of Allamanda puberula A. DC. and seedling production

Abstract

Allamanda puberula is a native species of the Caatinga biome with ornamental and landscaping potential. However, its potential is little explored due to the lack of information about the biology of its seeds and propagation. In this context, a study was carried out in order to characterize the seeds and their potential to produce seedlings in different containers. The experiments were divided into two phases. The first consisted in the characterization of fruits and seeds by evaluating the number of seeds per fruit, their dimensions (length and width), the weight of a thousand seeds, the number of seeds kg-¹, the degree of moisture, germination and emergence. The second phase consisted in the production of seedlings in a nursery, evaluating the growth over the days after sowing (DAS) (15, 30, 45 and 60 DAS) and the effect of the type of container (trays and tubes) for the formation of the seedlings. The species A. puberula has small seeds and a significant number of seeds per fruit. Apparently, there is no physical impediment or type of dormancy that impairs the germination process of the seeds. Seedlings grown in tubes were better in terms of growth and allocation of biomass. However, the indication of the best cultivation container for A. puberula propagated via seeds will depend on the implantation project and the specific characteristics of the field. The characterization of A. puberula seeds showed satisfactory physiological potential for germination and complete seedling formation in the nursery, enabling success in obtaining seedlings through seminiferous propagation.