The aim of this research was to evaluate cataia (Drimys brasiliensis Miers. - Winteraceae) seed germination under different, temperatures, substrate and stratification times. Seeds were submitted to stratification method in green house, without controlled temperature, during 30, 60 and 90 days. Filter paper, sand, vermiculite and agar 1% were tested as substrates. Were compared constant temperatures of 17, 25 and 30ºC under light, and alternate temperatures treatments of 20-30ºC, adopting 20ºC for 16 hours in absence of light and 30ºC for 8 hours exposed to light. IVG (Germination Speed Index) was obtained additionally as a vigor test, by counting normal seedlings everyday after sowing. Cataia seeds showed 7% of moisture content (wet basis) at the beginning of the experiment. After 30, 60 and 90 days of sand stratification, these seeds presented 11,3%, 27,7% and 46,2% of moisture content, respectively. Treatments with 30 and 60 days of sand stratification at 17ºC obtained the highest germination percentage, of 67% and 52%, respectively. The highest percentage of germination was obtained after 30 days of sand stratification corresponding to 68% for substrates like agar, sand and filter paper, and 61% for vermiculite. For the treatment with 60 days of sand stratification, the highest germination percentages were 56%, 58% and 54% in agar, sand and filter paper, respectively, without statistic difference. The vigor seeds (IVG) were those that were sand stratified for 60 days and were transferred to agar, sand and filter paper to germinate, at 17ºC, presenting germination rate of 0,55, 0,61 and 0,65. It was possible to conclude that 60 days of sand stratification is an efficient method to broken cataia seed dormancy. The higher rate an percentage of germination were obtained at constant temperature of 17ºC with agar, sand and filter paper as substrates.
stratification; seed dormancy; viability
