DESEMPENHO DO TRATAMENTO COM BIOINSUMO E MICRO-ONDAS EM SEMENTES NATIVAS DE BARU

Abstract

Baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.), a key species of the Cerrado with growing economic potential, faces limitations in seedling production due to the low and uneven physiological quality of its seeds. Seeking to overcome these challenges, this study investigated the impact of sustainable technologies on the germination and vigor of baru seeds. The methodology involved classifying the seeds into three groups (light colored, dark-colored, and damaged) and applying physical (microwave) and biological (Trichoderma spp.) treatments, both individually and in combination. The results indicated that the individual treatments were surprisingly more effective than their combinations. Thermotherapy stood out for promoting superior seedling development, while the biological treatment significantly accelerated germination speed. These findings point to new strategies that can optimize seedling production and strengthen Cerrado restoration programs.