The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of seed imbibition in water solution at different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite on the rate and speed of emergence of coffee seedlings as well as to assess the development of the seedlings. One trial was conducted for each of the five seed moisture content (13%, 18%, 23%, 28% and 33% wet weight). Each one consisted of five treatments, represented by seeds previously imbibed for three hours in water solution with three sodium hypochlorite concentrations (4, 5 and 6% of active chlorine), besides seeds with parchment and seeds without parchment (control). The seedlings were evaluated for the emergence rate and speed, and the seedlings for height, number of leaves and leaf area. The preimbibition of seeds with initial moisture degree of 23, 28 or 33% in water solution with sodium hypochlorite at 4% active chlorine increased the rate and speed of seedling emergence, and improving the seedling development compared to seeds with parchment.
Coffea arabica; pre imbibition; seeds; germination; seedlings
