Abstract

BASTO, Sofia  and  RAMIREZ, Claudia. Effect of light quality on Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae) seed germination. Univ. Sci. [online]. 2015, vol.20, n.2, pp.191-199. ISSN 0122-7483.  https://doi.org/10.11144/Javeriana.SC20-2.elqt.

Tabebuia rosea germination capacity and rate have been examined under light and dark conditions. However, seeds responses to light quality, in particular to short and mid-wavelengths, are not well known. We hypothesized that short wavelengths would have a positive effect on T. rosea germination. The effects of short, mid and long-wavelengths on germination capacity, rate (germination rate index, germination rate R₅₀, a devised index of germination rate R₅₀- and peak value), mean daily germination and germination value were evaluated. Light quality had little effect on germination capacity; it was reduced only in darkness. Seeds under short and mid-wavelengths germinated faster (germination rate) than under any other light treatments. We concluded that although T. rosea seeds respond to all light quality treatments, the short and mid-wavelengths are the cue for increasing germination speed. For synchronizing germination, short and mid-wavelengths transmitted by red cellophane paper can be used as a pre-germinative treatment for restoration and silvicultural purposes.

Keywords : Bignoniaceae; short-wavelengths; mid-wavelengths; germination capacity; germination rate; pre-germinative treatments.

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