MATURA˙ˆO DE FRUT OS DE Caesalpinia echinata Lam., P AU-BRASIL 1

ABSTRACT Œ Several indicative parameters regarding fruit maturity of Caesalpinia echinata were studiedin or der to establish the ideal har vest time. T en matrix plants wer e cultivated in Moji-Guacu, SP (22°1 1’to 1022°18’ S and 47°13’ to 47°20’ WG), altitude between 600m and 730m. The climate of the region isclassified as Cwa. T wo hundr ed and fifty blossoms wer e tagged during the the peak blooming period for maturationanalysis. Fruit-harvesting schedule ranged from the fifth to the ninth week after anthesis, with seven-dayintervals. The following parameters where analyzed for each harvest: fruit length and width; fruit moisturecontent; seed moisture content (after natural pre-drying); germination percentage; seed, fruit and seedlingdry matter weight. Fruit colors were also observed and used as a visual parameter of seed maturation. Theexperiment was repeated for three years. The germination tests were performed in Gerbox boxes, with vermiculitewater ed with distilled water . The seeds wer e set to germinate in B.O.D cameras, at 30°C, with a 12-hour photoperiod.The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications of 25 seeds per plot in 1991, 1992and 1993. The germination was analyzed on the 4th and 8th days after seeding. The results showed thatthe ideal harvest time for Brazil-wood fruits is at the pre-dispersion stage, which can be identified visuallythrough colors, when they change from green to chestnut-brown.Keywords: