Evaluation of the effect of storage temperatures on vigor parameters in seeds of Neltuma caldenia Burkart

Abstract

The "caldén" forests in the Caldén District, phytogeographic region of Espinal, are greatly modified by the effect of forestry exploitation, clearing, fires and excessive grazing. To restore degraded forest areas and/or the implementation of new forest or agroforestry masses, it is necessary to have sources that supply quality propagation material over time. Seed production in Neltuma caldenia is irregular, affected by climatic and biological factors. To reinforce in situ conservation, it is convenient to implement static or ex situ conservation mechanisms. This study addresses the influence on the germination and vigor of N. caldenia seeds at two storage temperatures (-18 ºC and 5 ºC), commonly used in germplasm banks, for three months. A completely randomized experimental design with six repetitions was used. The seeds were placed in a germination chamber at a temperature of 30 ºC. The results showed that storage at -18 ºC favors greater germination power and germination speed compared to 5 ºC (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a lower frequency of fungi is observed in the treatment at -18 ºC. These findings suggest that conservation at lower temperatures does not negatively affect seed viability and can control pests, being an effective strategy for ex situ conservation. It is necessary to delve deeper into the long-term effect of these storage temperatures.