Methodology for carrying out the germination test in guava seeds

Despite the knowledge that commercial propagation of the guava should be asexual, the use of seeds becomes mandatory in breeding programs and the production of rootstock, however few studies are found on methodologies for analysis of the seeds of this species, a fact which can be proved by the Rules for Seed Analysis, where there is no recommendation for a germination test. Thus, the aim of this work was to determine a methodology in terms of temperature, substrate and counting period for the germination test in guava seeds. The temperatures under evaluation were: constant at 20, 25 and 30 degrees C, and alternating 20 to 30 degrees C, with the following substrates: paper roll, on paper, in sand and on sand. The effect of temperature and substrate on seed performance was evaluated by the germination test, speed index and mean germination time. The experiment was set up in a completely randomised design, with the treatments distributed in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme (temperature x substrate), with four replications. Under the conditions being tested, it was found that the germination test in guava seeds can be carried out at an alternating temperature of 20-30 degrees C, using paper roll, on paper or on sand as substrate, and with the final count taken 23 days after sowing.