Physiological quality of Syagrus schizophylla (Arecaceae) seeds during storage

Syagrus schizophylla is a palm with ornamental potential. In the first of three experiments, we aimed to evaluate the seed response to desiccation-tolerance and storage. In the second experiment, emergence tests were carried out with fresh seeds (control) and seeds stored for 11 months. The seeds were soaked in distilled water for 48 hours at 30 degrees C. Subsequently, the seeds were removed from the water, dried, longitudinally cut in half and then imbibed in aqueous solutions of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride at 30 degrees C for 24 hours. In the third experiment, the viability and vigour of the seeds stored in the second experiment were analysed by emergence tests at 25, 30 and 25/35 degrees C. The response of the seeds to desiccation and storage indicated recalcitrant storage behaviour. Seed viability can be estimated by tetrazolium testing at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.2% triphenyltetrazolium chloride. Initially, 67% of seeds were classified viable. Using 0.1% triphenyltetrazlium chloride, 37% were viable after nine months and 28% after 11 months. There was a decrease in emergence at 25, 30 and 25/35 degrees C during storage. Germination at 30 degrees C enhances the emergence and the emergence speed of seedlings.