Métodos de superação de dormência em sementes de plantas daninhas

Abstract

Weeds are pioneer plants, being the first to germinate when a change occurs in a natural habitat. However, they compete with crops for essential resources such as water, light, and nutrients. They ensure their survival through seed dormancy and non-uniform germination, creating a challenge for studying these plants in a controlled environment. This study aimed to evaluate dormancy-breaking methods in species such as Digitaria insularis (sourgrass) and Eleusine indica (goosegrass) to determine the best laboratory method for breaking seed dormancy. The experiments were conducted in a laboratory, where seeds were subjected to different chemical treatments: potassium nitrate (KNO₃) for E. indica and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) for D. insularis. The seeds were incubated for germination under various temperatures and photoperiods in a BOD chamber. Germination percentage (G%) and germination speed index (GSI) were evaluated. E. indica seeds showed higher G% and GSI rates when subjected to a 12-hour photoperiod, regardless of the applied chemical treatment. D. insularis seeds, treatment with H₂SO₄, and temperature alternation for a 12-hour photoperiod, resulted in an increase in G% and GSI.