Potassium nitrate on overcoming dormancy in Brachiaria humidicola 'BRS Tupi' seeds

In this study, the aim was to determine the influence of potassium nitrate, using different concentrations and immersion times on the dormancy of the seeds of Brachiaria humidicola cv. 'BRS Tupi'. Four experiments were performed adopting a factorial scheme (5x3+ 1) in different seed lots, for different post-harvest storage durations, during which the seeds were immersed in potassium nitrate solutions of different specific concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 1% KNO3), for three exposure periods (12, 24 and 48h), plus one control (untreated), in a completely randomized design. The characteristics assessed included the imbibition curve, germination, first count and germination rate, as well as viability confirmed by using tetrazolium test. From the findings it was evident that treatments involving 0.1; 0.3; 0.5 and 1% KNO3 or pure water, with a 12 hour-soaking period enabled the stored seeds to germinate well for a minimum of eight months post harvest. Root protrusion was observed 24 hours post seed imbibition, whereas for the untreated seeds, satisfactory germination was observed from at least 12 months post harvest and, in most of the lots, between 18 and 24 months.