Abstract

SANCHEZ, J. A et al. Germination and dormancy of shrubs and climbing plants of the evergreen forest of Sierra del Rosario,Cuba. Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2015, vol.38, n.1, pp. 11-28. ISSN 2078-8452.

The germination requirements and the seed dormancy classes were determined in 14 species of shrubs and climbing plants (13 vines and three lianas), of the tropical seasonal evergreen forest of the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, Cuba. The relations between the dormancy classes and other traits of the life history of the plants were also evaluated. The germination trials were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions (light and temperature): a constant temperature of 25 ºC, three conditions of alternate temperature (25/30 ºC, 25/35 ºC and 25/40 ºC) and two light environments (light and darkness). In the shrubs, light was the main factor that regulated germination; while in the climbing plants the essayed factors did not significantly affect germination completely, although some had a species-specific response. Only two species were totally positive photoblastic, and the germination under light decreased with the fresh seed mass. Dormancy occurred in 23 species (76,6 %), from them 10 were shrubs and 13, climbing plants. In the shrubs the physiological dormancy was the most abundant, and in the climbing plants, the physiological and physical dormancy prevailed. Among the climbing plants the only species with morphological and/or morphophysiological dormancy were found. The highest number of dormant seeds was observed in the dry season (87 %). The study confirmed the diversity of dormancy mechanisms and germination requirements already reported in these life forms for the tropics.

Keywords : Vines; seed; viability.

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