Seed germination of Brazilian guava (Psidium guineense Swartz.)

Brazilian guava (Psidium guineense Swartz.) is a plant species native from Brazil and present in all Brazilian biomes. This species occurs in the Caatinga biome as a wild fruit that has broad utility and can generate income, as well as provide material for breeding. The objective of this work was to study seed germination of guava accessions collected in two municipalities in Bahia. Seeds imbibition curve was studied. Also, seed germination and seedlings initial growth were evaluated for 44 days on different temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 degrees C), fruit maturation, drying, pre-soaking and priming. Seeds imbibition curve was triphasic in which lag-phase begun after 30 hours imbibition and lasted 256 hours. An effect of guava genotype was observed in seeds physiological quality. Temperatures of 20 and 25 degrees C were ideal for guava seeds germination. Seeds pre-soaking and priming techniques are feasible to reduce germination time and increase seedling performance.