Analysis of <i>Butia odorata</i> (Barb. Rodr.) Noblick seeds of fruits collected at three maturation stages

Resumen

Butia odorata (Barb. Rodr.) Noblick is a palm species that has potential for economic and environmental applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seed viability of a B. odorata population using two methods, as well as the water content at three ripening stages, the average number of fruits per infructescence, and the thousand-diaspore weight. Fruits and seeds were analyzed from the beginning of ripening stage to the partial dehiscence stage. The percentage humidity of the diaspores collected from the beginning of ripening to the dehiscence of fruits ranged between 16.8% and 19.8%. However, one week after pulping, when the seeds were maintained in a dry and ventilated environment, the water content decreased to 11.06%, regardless of the fruit ripening stage. The average mass of 1000 diaspores was 1.9 kg, with variation among the mother plants. We recorded an average of 860 fruits per infructescence and around 1,570 viable seeds. Around 2% of these seeds lacked an embryo. The viability was 83%.