Influence of pre-germination treatments and temperature on the germination of crambe seeds (Crambe abyssinica Hochst)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of pre-germination treatments and temperature on the germination of crambe seed (Crambe abyssinica Hochst). The completely randomized design was used in a 3 x 3 x 2 factorial (physical treatments x chemical treatments x temperature). The chemical treatments consisted of paper soaked in gibberellic acid (GA 3 ), potassium nitrate (KNO 3 ) and water. The physical treatments consisted of maintaining the seed intact, mechanical scarification and seed coat removal. Temperatures of 25 and 30 C were used in the completely randomized design. The variables studied were germination speed index, germination percentage, seed length and seedling dry mass. In the studied conditions, the percentage and rate of germination, length and seedling dry weight of seeds of C. abyssinica Hochst were enhanced by removal of the integument, in soaking with GA 3 at 25 C.