Effect of mechanical, chemical, and physical scarification on the germination of Brazil nut seeds (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl.) seeds in Peru

Abstract

Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl. (Brazil nut) is an economically important species in the Amazon, whose natural seed production takes between 365 and 545 days, also showing low germination rates. With the aim of reducing the production time of germinated Brazil nut seeds and to optimize the variables associated with the germination process, one factor was evaluated: (i) type of seed scarification; resulting in one control and four treatments. Fifty seeds per replication and 200 seeds per treatment were evaluated, all sourced from the same Brazil nut plantation, with 10 days of storage. The results revealed that the seeds with complete removal of the seed coat began germination 23 days after sowing and, after 187 days, showed the highest germination potential (96%), germination energy (92.2%), germination speed coefficient (0.49), mean germination time (118 days), and germination rate (0.31). The findings of the study could be used to reduce the germination time of B. excelsa seeds and increase their germination potential.