EFFECT OF HIGH TEMPERATURES ON GERMINATION OF Plathymenia reticulata Benth. AND Dalbergia miscolobium Benth

Fire is common in the Cerrado occurring during the dry season when many species fruit or disperse the seeds. However, little is known about the fire effect on seed germination. This study aimed to investigate the effect of high temperatures on seed germination of Dalbergia miscolobium Benth. and Plathymenia reticulata Benth., common species of the Cerrado and with potential use in recovery of degraded areas and restoration of permanent preservation areas. Seeds were collected in August 2011, weighed, separated into three size classes and exposed to three temperatures: 80 degrees C, 100 degrees C and 150 degrees C for 2 and 5 minutes. After the treatments, the seeds were germinated. Exposure to high temperatures had different effects in germination of species. Regardless of size class, the seed exposure up to 100 degrees C for 2 and 5 minutes did not alter germination of D. miscolobium seeds (91%). However, after exposure to 150 degrees C only the seeds with higher mass germinated, but with a significant reduction in germination (53%; p < 0.01). Exposure to 80 degrees C for 2 and 5 minutes and to 100 degrees C for 2 minutes did not affect P. reticulata germination (71%). No seed germinated after exposure to 150 degrees C. The low resistance of the seeds to high temperatures can significantly affect the recruitment of new individuals after the occurrence of Cerrado fires.