EFFECT OF ENDOZOOCHORY ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF JUAZEIRO, LEUCENA, TAMARIND AND UMBU SEEDS

Abstract

Seed dispersal has its importance for the biodiversity of our biomes, among the methods of seed dispersal is endozoochory, which occurs after the ingestion of fruits and excretion through the animal's feces. The objective of this study was to analyze the feasibility of overcoming dormancy in seeds of juazeiro, leucaena, tamarind and umbu after passing through the digestive tract of cattle, goats, sheep, donkeys and pigs, and to identify which of the forest species studied has the best germination viability and which animal is the most effective disperser after ingestion and excretion of these seeds. Seed water content, seedling emergence and vigor were evaluated through the variables, emergence speed index, length and dry matter of primary root and shoot of seedlings. The statistical design adopted was DIC, with the treatments in a 4 x 6 factorial scheme (plant species x animal species + control), the data were submitted to analysis of variance by the "F" test, at 5% probability and compared by Tukey's test. It was concluded that the dormancy of the researched seeds is overcome by the passage in the digestive tract of ruminants and monogastrics.