Effect of light and immersion in water
on germination of globe amaranth seeds
produced in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Two experiments were carried out with seeds of
globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa L.) cultivated
at Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. In the first experiment, at
20-30oC, the effect of 16 hours light or continuous
darkness was compared for seeds of the varieties with
white and purple inflorescences, just after their harvest.
For both varieties, a higher germination percentage
was verified under light. Without pretreatments
for germination and under light, the average
germination percentage ranged from 64.5 to 81.0%.
The second experiment tested seeds of the variety
with white inflorescences, stored for six months in a
dry chamber. Germination at alternate temperatures
of 20-30oC was slower in continuous darkness than
in photoperiod of 16 hours; the previous immersion
of the seeds in water for 24 hours was harmful to the
germination percentage and to the germination speed.