Stylosanthes SW. is a genus of tropical legume with great potential for use as forage in Brazil. In general this genus presents seed dormancy, which causes irregular germination, a serious problem in the establishment of pastures. Several studies have explored the use of high temperatures achieving good results not only in overcoming seed dormancy in forage, as well as in the eradication of seed pests aiming at decreasing the use of pesticides. Thus, to evaluate the effects of temperature treatments to overcome seed dormancy of Stylosanthes capitata, S. guianensis and S. macrocephala, seeds were exposed to 50, 60 and 70ºC during 5, 10 and 15 hours. Seeds were then subjected to germination tests with four replications of 100 seeds each per treatment. The effect of treatment was evaluated by standard germination and speed germination index (IVG). For S. macrocephala and S. capitata the use of high temperatures overcame seed dormancy. For the first species the most efficient treatment was obtained with 60ºC during 15 hours, however for S. capitata seeds the temperature of 70ºC showed best results.
legume forage; germination; seeds
