Germinação de sementes de alface submetidas a diferentes períodos de pré-embebição

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of soaking in deionized water at 5°C on the germination of seeds from three lettuce (Lactuca sativa) genotypes: Salad Bowl, Americana Grandes Lagos, and Lechuga Mesa 659. The seeds were soaked for 0, 12, and 24 hours and germinated under controlled temperature and light conditions. Moisture content, thousand-seed weight, germination percentage, first count, and germination speed index (GSI) were analyzed. Statistical analysis showed that both genotype and soaking time influenced the results, with the Lechuga Mesa 659 genotype standing out with 98.67% germination, regardless of soaking in deionized water at 5°C. However, soaking for 12 and 24 hours improved germination uniformity and speed, irrespective of genotype, indicating it as a simple and effective technique to overcome physiological dormancy. The interaction between treatment and genotype was not significant, suggesting that the effect of soaking time is independent of genotype type. The results indicate that cold water soaking can be a practical alternative for producers facing germination challenges in hot regions.