In vitro germination of zygotic embryos of Mauritia flexuosa under different temperatures

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the in vitro germination of zygotic embryos of Mauritia flexuosa under different temperatures. Botanic material was collected in a spot called Vale do Rio Paciência at the Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, in Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Fruits were directly collected from selected trees, totalizing 10 individuals from a transect along Paciência river banks. Fruits were packed in paper bags and transported to the Biotechnology Lab at the Agronomy School of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (BIOTEC). They were measured and cleared from pulp for seeds and embryos extraction. For the study, 60 embryos were placed in a germination chamber, with temperatures of 20, 25, 30, 35 e 40°C with 16 h. Resulting data were analyzed using polynomial regression, investigating the behavior of variables applied to the treatments tested. Results showed that in vitro embryo germination support establishment processes for Mauritia flexuosa, confirmed by the high germination indexes. Embryos of this species germinate slowly when under moderate temperatures, showing influence also on germination rates. Best germination rates were obtained with 30°C (75%) and 35°C (83.33%) temperatures. The in vitro culture of zygotic embryos of Mauritia flexuosa can be used for species propagation by seedlings, aiming to homogenize germination rates.