Probability of germination of Chloroleucon mangense after chemical scarification

Seeds of trees of the tropical seasonal forest in Mexico are scarcely studied, despite its broad range and ecological relevance. The aim of this work was to find a treatment to overcome the physical dormancy of Chloroleucon mangense seeds, and to model the probability of germination. Seeds were collected from Sinaloa state, México. Results of seed testing were: purity (95.7%), weight (23,596 seeds kg^-1), moisture content (7.6%, fresh weight basis) and viability (99.5%). The seeds required 12.5, 15, 17.5 or 20 minutes of chemical scarification (H₂SO₄), resulting in 80-91.3% germination. The germination of the control was 10%. The treatments with water did not show differences in relation to the control. Germination rate (number of days to reach 70% of the germinative capacity) was three days for the acid-scarified seeds. The logistic model of probability of germination was significant for period of acid scarification (P < 0.0001), showing a time of 27.5 minutes to maximise germination. Longer periods would damage the seed.