In vitro GERMINATION OF Cedrela odorata L. SEEDS FROM EXTINCT GENOTYPES

Abstract

The most important species for the forestry industry in México is Cedrela odorata L., however, the problems with pests, low seed production and low viability during storage place the species at risk. It is necessary to evaluate techniques for in vitro germination to obtain aseptic material to generate protocols for the massive propagation of select materials of controlled crosses and genetic gain. The effect of scarification on seeds from nine superior families from an extinct seed garden and their germination in ten growth media was evaluated. Five media were prepared: Murashigue and Skoog (MS), Woody Plant Medium (WPM), Gambor Medium (B5), Schenk and Hildebrand Medium (SH) and distilled water (AD). With these, a copy was prepared to which activated carbon was added to obtain ten media. The scarification of seeds was the best treatment with 52.8 % of germination and less contamination. The MS medium plus activated carbon showed the highest germination (59.5 %). Significant differences were found between families for germination and contamination. In the interactions between factors, seed scarification in MS medium with activated carbon was the best for germination, represented in three families.