EFFECT OF PRE-GERMINATION TREATMENTS ON THE GERMINATION OF BAUHINIA VARIEGATA L. SEEDS.

Meynier Romina Alejandra (1), Rodríguez Sabrina Andrea (2), Slongo Sobron Juan Miguel (3), Aceñolaza Pablo Gilberto (4)

Abstract

Knowing the seed germination processes of forest species is of fundamental importance in ecological studies and also in  the reproduction of tree species for different purposes. Bauhinia variegata L. is a species native to tropical forests in India and China cultivated in Argentina for its ornamental value, being widely used in urban trees. This work aimed to evaluate the response of B. variegata seeds, from individuals planted in the province of Entre Ríos to different pre-germinative. In  this work, 3 pre-germinative treatments were evaluated: soaking in water at ambient temperature (AGUA TA), in water at 45°C until reaching room temperature (AGUA 45° C), and cold treatment for a week at 5°C (HELADERA. Were calculated: Germinative Capacity (CG) and Average time to reach germination (TPG). The CG for the HELADERA 5°C treatment (84%) almost doubles the GC of the control (44%). The 45°C water treatment obtained low CG values and took 17 days to emerge, so it would not be recommended for this species. The CG values of the treatments tested may be lower than those that could have been observed performing the same treatments under laboratory conditions. However, the conditions in which they were planted and the results obtained are closer to a real situation of commercial seedling production, and 84% CG in the HELADERA treatment is an acceptable value for B. variegata in temperate climates.