Topographic tetrazolium test in seeds of Tillandsia ionantha Planch

Resumen

Objective: To develop a protocol proposal for the application of the tetrazolium test on Tillandsia ionantha Planch. seeds.

Design/methodology/approach: A factorial design was used, with the first factor corresponding to tetrazolium concentrations (0.1 %, 0.5 %, and 1 %), the application or omission of preconditioning by soaking for 12 hours, and the presence or absence of physical scarification. This resulted in twelve treatments, each with three replicates of ten seeds per experimental unit. The seed coats were removed, and according to each treatment, seeds were soaked in sterile distilled water for 12 hours and subjected to physical scarification using water sandpaper. The seeds were then placed in plastic containers with lids at room temperature (23 °C) for 48 hours to assess staining percentage and topographic seed staining patterns.

Results: ANOVA (α = 0.05) revealed that the only main factor capable of producing a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in seed staining—and therefore in viability detection—was seed preconditioning through 12-hour soaking. In contrast, neither scarification nor the tetrazolium concentrations tested had a significant effect on staining outcomes (p > 0.05).

Limitations on study/implications: The seeds of this species are very small, which makes them difficult to handle, and the seed coat sometimes prevents proper observation of the staining.

Findings/conclusions: To perform the test, the process will begin by removing the coma, followed by soaking the seeds for 12 hours.