Biometric Characterisation and Physiological Quality of Seeds of Hymenaea courbaril L.

Aims: The objective of this work was to verify the influence of seed size on germination and vigour of seeds and seedlings of Hymenaea courbaril L.

Study Design: The experimental design was completely randomised.

Place and Duration of Study: The present work was carried out in the Laboratory of seeds of the State University of the West the Paraná, Brazil, between January to July, 2018.

Methodology: The seeds were obtained in the Marialva region, Paraná, classified according to the biometric characteristics, in accordance with the range of values of seed length, in small, medium and large to later be mechanically scarified and immersed in water for 48 hours. The study evaluated the biometric characteristics, moisture content, germination, seed vigour and seedling development.

Results: In the present study, the size of the seeds reflected effects on the physiological quality of the seeds, mainly in the parameters related to the performance of seedlings.

Conclusion: The seedlings evaluated from medium and large seeds showed better performance in the majority of parameters. In addition, the use of large seeds is recommended, because they have a higher percentage of seedling emergence and the best quality.