The Physical variation and germinative parameters of seeds from Cedrela odorata L. high quality trees

Abstract

Cedrela odorata is a species of economic importance due to the quality of its wood and is currently planted through reforestation programs and commercial forestry plantations. Propagation in forest nurseries is carried out by seed that is harvested regardless of its physical quality and origin. The objective of the present research was to assess the physical quality and germination parameters of seeds from Cedrela odorata plus trees. Seeds were collected from 10 trees distributed within an altitudinal gradient of 10 to 700 m in the Soconusco region of the state of Chiapas, Mexico. 20 days after collection, the purity, 100-seed weight, moisture content, and viability of the seeds were determined, as were their germination capacity, average daily germination, peak value, and germination value. The seeds’ physical quality and viability differed (p≤0.0001) between trees. The average germination capacity of the seeds was 65.8 %. Viability, germination capacity, mean daily germination, peak value, and germination value were positively associated with the altitude; seeds from trees located at altitudes above 400 m recorded higher values. Seeds from higher trees differ in physical quality, viability, and germination parameters, a fact which establishes the importance of the altitudinal origin in seed collection.