EMERGENCE AND INITIAL GROWTH OF SEEDLINGS OF INGA INGOIDES (Rich.) Willd.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of reduced water content on the physiological performanceof the seeds of Inga ingoides, seeking to provide a higher percentage of emergence and better seedlingdevelopment. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Seed Analysis (LAS) and in the greenhouse atthe Centre for Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba (CCA - UFPB), located in Areia - PB. We usedrandomized experimental design, treatments were arranged in a 9 x 2 factorial (drying periods and with orwithout pulp) in four replicates of 25 seeds. The seeding was done in plastic trays with dimensions of 0.45 x 0.30x 0.07 m, containing washed sand as substrate and autoclaved. The treatments consisted of different dryingtimes: 0 (without drying), 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84 and 96 hours. The results indicated that drying of the seedsof Inga ingoides with pulp is recommended until 36 hours without drying the seeds and pulp affect seed quality.