MÉTODOS DE SUPERAÇÃO DE DORMÊNCIA EM SEMENTES DE TAMARINDO (Tamarindus indica L.)

Abstract

The tamarind tree is a tropical and subtropical species of African origin, widely cultivated for its gastronomic value and bioactive properties, including organic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, which provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Seed germination is limited by dormancy, which can be overcome through different dormancy-breaking methods. This study aimed to compare methods for overcoming dormancy in tamarind seeds. A randomized block design was used,

13 consisting of six treatments and five replications. The treatments were: T1: sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) for 15 minutes; T2: hydrochloric acid (HCl) for 15 minutes; T3: mechanical scarification using pruning scissors; T4: hot water (70°C) for 15 minutes; T5: gibberellic acid (GA₃) for 15 minutes; and T6: distilled water (control) for 15 minutes. The evaluated characteristics were seedling height, root length, emergence percentage, emergence speed index, and dry matter of the shoot and root systems. Seeds treated with mechanical scarification, sulfuric acid, and hydrochloric acid showed the most significant effects on the emergence speed index. Among the evaluated methods, mechanical scarification stood out as the most viable alternative due to its efficiency, practicality, low cost, and greater application safety.