Métodos de escarificación química y sus efectos en la germinación de semillas de Ochroma pyramidale Cav. ex Lam. Urb

Introduction: Ochroma pyramidale is a species with high restoration potential and easily adapts to disturbed areas; however, seed germination is affected by its orthodox nature and dormancy.

Knowledge gap: variation in germination capacity between different treatments and environmental conditions.

Purpose of the study: to evaluate the germination percentage of O. pyramidale seeds using different chemical scarification methods.

Methodology: A three-block, three-replicate, and 15-unit experimental design was applied. The treatments were: T1 (hot water at 80°C), T2 (0.5% NaCl), T3 (1.0% NaCl), T4 (2.0% NaCl), T5 (1% HCl).

Results and conclusions: O. pyramidale seed germination began on the fourth day after sowing in all treatments, with some differences in germinated seeds between treatments compared to the first day of germination, with some variations between treatments. The highest germination percentage occurred in treatment 1 (T1) with 88 seeds (59%), followed by treatment 2 (T2) with 65 (43%). Treatment 1 (water at 80°C) had the greatest influence on O. pyramidale seed germination . Therefore, it is concluded that boiling treatments not only contribute to increased germination, but also that seeds achieve a higher germination rate.