ABSTRACT
The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of mature fruit size on Euterpe edulis Mart. seed germination, vigour and seedling growth. The mature fruits used in the experiment came from Rio do Sul/SC. Fruits were sifted in 13,5 and 15 mm mesh, forming three different fruits size samples small (Ø < 13,5mm), medium (Ø between 13,5 e 15mm) and large with more than 15mm diameter. The germination was evaluated in the experiment carried out at the germination chamber, for 105 days period. Medium size fruits showed a greater percentage of germination as well as a higter germination speed, followed by small and larger size fruits. The second experiment evaluated total dry weight, shot dry weight, root dry weight, shoot height, neck diameter and root length of plants derived from different fruit sizes. Larger fruits originated plants significantly taller and with a greater dry weight when compared to the small fruits.
Key words:
Fruit size; Euterpe edulis; germination; vigour; growth