Effect of scarification treatments on germination of Lupinus montanus HBK seeds.

The genus Lupinus , belonging to the Fabaceae, is widely distributed in the American continent, in North Africa and the Mediterranean region in Europe. This genus is characterised by the presence of quinolizidine alkaloids as part of a defense strategy against herbivores. It has been reported that Mexican Lupinus species present specific profiles of these compounds, however the factors which determine these profiles are until now unknown. One of the tools used for regulation studies is the plant cell culture, for which it is necessary to have available enough vegetal material. For such culture, high germination response is highly recommended (necessary). Seeds of L. montanus present physic dormancy mainly because of impermeability of their coat. The aim of the present work was to evaluate effects on germination response of seeds by mechanical and acid scarification. Four parameters were evaluated: Days to radicle emission (t0), extension of the germination time (EG), final percentage of the germination (GF) and germination rate (V). The seed lots showed a viability of 98.7%. Best results were found with mechanical scarification (GF=90%). However, it was observed that the germination percentage diminish considerably when the disinfection is made after scarification (GF=65%). Damages to the embryo caused by sulfuric acid were observed.