INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE ON SEED-GERMINAT ION AND ON THE VIGOR OF SEEDLINGS OF CUPUACU (THEOBROMA-GRANDIFLORUM (WILLD EX-SPRENG) SCHUM)

The effects of different temperatures on seed germination and on the v igour of seedlings of Cupuacu (Theobroma grandiflorum (Willd. ex-Spren g) Schum.) were studied. The experimental design consisted of 5 x 3 te st variants, carried out in 12 replications each with 17 seeds. The ef fects of five different temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35-degrees-C) and three different substrates (sand, sawdust and vermiculite) were t ested in darkness. After the fifth day from sowing, the percentage of the viable seeds were estimated daily. Additionally, the total germina tion rate and the percentage of normally developed seedlings were reco rded. From the numbers of seeds which germinated daily, an ''index of germination velocity'' was calculated. Measurement of seedlings height , radicle length and dry weight of the cotyledones were done. At the 1 5-degrees-C temperature level seed germination was inhibited while acc elerated at the 35-degrees-C level although damaged the cotyledones an d the radicles. The best germination temperature was between 20 and 30 -degrees-C independently of the substrate used.