Efeitos de tratamentos pré-germinativos na germinação de Chamaecrista dentata (Vogel) H.S. Irwin & Barneby

Chamaecrista dentata (Vogel) H.S. Irwin & Barneby is a leguminous plant species which is endemic throughout “Cadeia do Espinhaco”, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is an endangered species due to its occurrence in highly impacted areas. Aiming to verify the most appropriate conditions for the germination of Chamaecrista dentata, recently harvested seeds were sequentially treated for integument scarification, temperature and light influence, separately. Seeds showed physical dormancy which was effectively overcame by mechanical scarification. Incubation at 20 or 25 °C was effective in promoting a higher germination rate and germination percentages. Seeds germinated either in light or in the dark.