Seed viability and vigour of two nanche species (Malpighia mexicana and Byrsonima crassifolia).

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the optimal pre-treatment, tetrazolium concentration and staining times to evaluate the biological condition of the embryos in two nanche species, Malpighia mexicana, collected in Matatlan, and Byrsonima crassifolia, collected from Tehuantepec, Oaxaca. The fruit pulp was removed and the seeds were washed and dried. The embryos were placed in 0.1 or 1% tetrazolium for 18, 24 or 48 hours at 30°C. A random design was used with 12 treatments consisting of four replications of 25 embryos each. Viability and vigour were evaluated based on embryo colour patterns. M. mexicana seeds showed 90% viable vigorous embryos when pre-treated for 24 hours and stained with 0.1% tetrazolium for 48 hours, whereas B. crassifolia seeds showed 90% with 1% tetrazolium for 48 hours.