Methods for Overcoming Dormancy in Eryngium foetidum Propagules

Eryngium foetidum is classified as a Non-Conventional Food Plant (NCFP) with socioeconomic importance in the Amazon region, whose propagation is limited by low and irregular germination. This study aimed to evaluate methods for overcoming dormancy and promoting the germination of propagules of this species. Treatments consisted of chemical scarification with sulfuric acid (1, 2, and 3 min), mechanical scarification with sandpaper, soaking in water at room temperature, soaking in hot water, and an untreated control. Germination and seed vigor parameters were evaluated. Based on the analyses performed, chemical scarification treatments provided the best results, promoting higher germination and germination speed index, as well as a lower percentage of hard propagules and reduced mean germination time compared with the other treatments. Furthermore, the reduction in the number of hard propagules and their negative association with germination and vigor suggest the possible occurrence of physical dormancy in this species. Therefore, it can be concluded that chemical scarification with sulfuric acid is the most effective method for overcoming dormancy in Eryngium foetidum, contributing to the development of more efficient propagation protocols.