Cecropia glaziovi is a pioneer species which occurs in the Atlantic Rain Forest, especially in forest borders and secondary forest. This study was carried out to analyse the effect of temperature and light mode of action by fluence response curves to understand the seed behaviour of this species. The optimum temperature for germination of Cecropia glaziovi seeds was determined as between 25 to 30ºC and the saturation of germination induction by white light mediated by phytochrome was attained at 1W.m-2. Although Cecropia glaziovi seeds need light with a high R:FR ratio fto induce the process, germination was achieved by low fluence indicating high sensitivity to light in open areas such as forest borders and small gaps in the canopy. These characteristics indicate the participation of phytochrome B in the control of germination in this species.
embaúba; light; forest seed
