Scarification treatments in chepil seeds (Crotalaria longirostrata Hook. & Arn.) used to improve their germination

Resumen

Objective: The objective was to evaluate different scarification treatments to improve
germination in chepil seeds (Crotalaria longirostrata Hook. & Arn.).
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was established in the School of Veterinary
Medicine and Zootechnics N. 2 of the Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero. The chepil
seeds were weighed and counted; 2 experiments were established through a CRD with
4 treatments of 4 repetitions each. Imbibition and germination were evaluated. The data
were analyzed with the statistical software package SAS® 9.0.
Results: The use of water at different temperatures and times presented positive results
in imbibition and increased the germination percentages. The treatment with water at
100°C until cooling reached a germination of 80%, and the control of 12.3%.

Study Limitations/Implications: Chepil is a wild species that has seeds with physical
dormancy, which is something that requires more research in order to accelerate and
increase the germination percentages.
Findings/Conclusions: The imbibition and germination was affected by the treatments
applied. Chepil seeds presented physical or superficial dormancy that may be eliminated
with the use of heat treatments; however, evaluations still need to be performed to
accelerate and find a higher percentage of germination.