SEED GERMINATION OF SIX TIMBER TREES OF A TROPICAL DECIDUOUS FOREST IN PUEBLA, MÉXICO

Abstract

Tropical deciduous forests are diverse ecosystems. They are threatened in Mexico, and little is known about the germination of many of the seeds from this ecosystem. The aim of this research was to evaluate the seed germination of six timber species from a tropical deciduous forest, under the premise that the heavier the seeds, they will produce greater germination than those lighter and smaller. Mature fruits from six tree species were gathered in the municipal area of Huehuetlán el Chico, Puebla. The variables were humidity content, weight of 100 seeds, germination, germination speed and the mean of germination time in light and darkness at 30 °C. Every factor to be determined was considered a treatment with four replications of 25 seeds each, in a completely randomized design. An ANOVA was carried out using the data and the means were compared using Tukey’s test (p£0.05). The seeds of the species showed a similar humidity content to others found in this type of vegetation. Seed weight depended on each species and had no influence on the percentage of germination. In addition, the light/darkness condition did not determine germination, either, except in Pitecellobium acatlense and Tabebuia impetiginosa for the speed and mean time of germination. Dalberghia congestiflora had one of the highest percentages, it produced more germinated seeds per day, and it also reached 50% germination in a shorter time than the others. According to the results for germination and viability in Mimosa benthamii, dormancy can be inferred.