Reproduction by seed of chamal (Dioon Edule lindley)

Abstract

This paper presents a series of results from germination, emergence and growth tests in controlled environments and in a nursery of Dioon edule var. angustifolium, considering light exposure treatments, seed positions, sowing depths and types of substrates. The objective was to test management alternatives for this species. Using seeds with 90% germination and a standard deviation of ±0.07%, germination, emergence and growth rate results were obtained under two sowing depths, types of substrates and lighting. The results obtained show that in controlled environments the position of the seeds does not significantly influence the evaluated characteristics. Under nursery conditions, germination was higher for seeds placed horizontally, being similar in sun and shade conditions. Emergence was higher in seeds placed horizontally and under shade. There were no differences in terms of substrate. A sowing depth of 2 centimeters had the highest emergence percentages. Survival was higher in seeds placed in shade and with the embryo facing downwards. The growth rate was higher in seeds placed in the shade and on a mixture of thermolite, osmocot and mountain soil, since seedlings up to 8 centimeters tall were obtained, with 90% efficiency in less than three months. These results allow us to conclude that Chamal (Dioon edule var angustifolium) allows efficient management under shade to obtain commercial-sized plants.