Comportamento germinativo de espécies rupícolas de inselbergs do Morro da Urca, Rio de Janeiro - RJ

Abstract

Inselbergs are isolated rock outcrops that rise abruptly above the surrounding plains, mainly formed by outcrops of granitic and gneissic rocks. They are places with high diversity and endemism, and are characterized by high degree of insolation, air temperatures and soil, with high winds and soils with low water retention. Seeds of three typical inselberg taxa (Alcantarea glaziouana, Barbacenia purpurea and Tibouchina corymbosa) were studied to evaluate the effect of constant (15 to 40°C) and alternating (20-30ºC) temperatures, water stress (Ψw = 0.0 to -1.2MPa) promoted by solutions of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) and light quality under different red:far red (R:FR) ratios on the percentage and germination rate. The results showed that all species have very light seeds, ranging from 0.005 to 0.04 g. All species presented high germination under temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, and did not germinate under 40ºC, except A. glaziouana. Maximum germination was obtained in distilled water (0 MPa) and water stressed conditions reduced the percentage and rate of germination in all species studied; A. glaziouana was less sensitive to low water potentials. Seeds of all species required light for maximum germination (photoblastic positive) and the final germination percentage was inhibited at low R:FR ratios. The R:FR value that resulted in 50% of maximum germination varied among species. These results show that germination can limit the ability of species to colonize newly and disturbed habitats and also contributes to inselbergspecies distribution.