Efeito da mastigação sobre a sobrevivência de sementes de leguminosas forrageiras tropicais e germinação

The aim of this study is to select forage legume seeds through mechanical action resistance after simulated mastication and evaluate germination percentage after its inclusion in endozoochorous dispersal performed by cattle in two experiments. The following forages were evaluated: Puero (Pueraria phaseoloides), perennial soybean (Neonotonia wightii), flemingia (Flemingia macrophilla), Stylo Campo Grande (Stylosanthes cv. Campo Grande) and archer (Macrotyloma axillare). In the first experiment, the percentage of destroyed seeds by simulated chewing was evaluated, and in the second, the germination percentage after simulated chewing. In the first experiment, the percentage of destroyed seeds by simulated chewing was evaluated, and in the second one, the germination percentage after simulated chewing was quantified. Experimental treatments as follows: whole seed (control), sand paper scarified seed, chewed and sand paper scarified seed and chewed ones. No statistical difference (p>0.05) between archer, flemingia and puero were found. Besides, these three legumes showed a higher percentage of not shattered seeds in relation to Stylo cv Campo Grande and perennial soybean. Stylo cv Campo Grande (control) showed the highest germination percentage among treatments, however, did not differ (p>0.05) from the chewed and chewed-scarified seeds. No statistical difference (p>0.05) was detected between puero and flemingia. In addition, Stylo cv Campo Grande displayed the highest percentage of survival. At some extent, the simulated chewing technique predicts mechanical damage to the seeds, which will pass through the digestive tract of cattle. It serves as an aid in order to choose legume species, which may be suitable to be included in cattle diets, for endozoochorous dispersal.