Resposta fisiológica de sementes de chia e linhaça ao estresse hídrico

Studies on water resources are important to understand seed germination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological (germination) response of chia seeds and linseed to water stress. The seeds were placed on paper soaked in solutions of polyethylene glycol in diff erent osmotic potentials. Percentage of germination, fi rst germination count, and germination speed index were evaluated. The reduction of the osmotic potential of the substrate promoted a signifi cant decrease in the germination and vigor of the chia seeds and linseed. In conclusion, seeds of these species are not able to tolerate osmotic potentials equal to or lower than -0.15MPa, being making possible its cultivation areas with concentrations above osmotic potentials.