For most legumes and other endemic plants for animal consumption, seed requires scarification methods and
induction with giberilic acid (AG
3), to obtain greater germination and growth of plants in the early stages. The
objective of the study was to evaluate methods to improve germination on seeds of guaje (
Leucaena lanceolata
),
guajillo (Leucaena lanceolota), catispa (
Gliricidia
Sepium
), guacima (
Guazuma ulmifolia
), and capomo (
Brosimum alicastrum
) under 65% of shade with mesh. The study was located in a temperate subtropical climate with rains in
summer, average precipitation annual 1,283 mm and average temperature annual 24ºC. Seeds of high vigor were
collected and selected during the low water in localities of the entity. After 30 d of the collection, seed planting
was done in a culture box, with a substrate made of sugar cane residues, sawdust, and pumice stone (1:1:0.5). A
completely randomized design with eight treatments and three repetitions was used. The results of the variance analysis showed significant differences (P>0.05) among treatments. The highest germination was observed in
seeds exposed to 75ºC for 30 sec and water soaking at 18ºC for 24 h with AG
3 dose from 600 to 2,300 mg/L, and
significantly higher (P>0,05) than the other treatments. The control treatment resulted with the smallest amount
of germinated seed and the maximum germinative capacity of the species appeared between 3 and 10 d. Plants
with doses from 2,300 to 300 mg/L of AG
3 started stems, leaves, and roots elongation in all species, although
there was a lag when change to plastic pots for establishment.
