Title:	Development of a specific protocol for the tetrazolium test and evaluation of the physiological potential of Cnidoscolus quercifolius Pohl (Euphorbiaceae) seeds.
Authors:	SILVA, J. de J. SILVA, J. C. da GOMES, R. A. OLIVEIRA, V. R. de DANTAS, B. F.
Affiliation:	JAILTON DE JESUS SILVA; JAMILLE CARDEAL DA SILVA, UNIVERSIDADE ESTADUAL DE FEIRA DE SANTANA; RAQUEL ARAUJO GOMES, UNIVERSIDADE ESTADUAL DE FEIRA DE SANTANA; VISELDO RIBEIRO DE OLIVEIRA, CPATSA; BARBARA FRANCA DANTAS, CPATSA.
Date Issued:	2026
Citation:	Journal of Seed Science, v. 48, e202648006, 2026.
Description:	Rapid tests are essential for assessing the physiological quality of seeds, especially in native Caatinga species that remain little studied. Cnidoscolus quercifolius (Pohl) has ecological and socioeconomic importance but lacks protocols for determining viability. This study aimed to standardize the tetrazolium test (TZT) for evaluating C. quercifolius seeds. Three seed lots were used, from Massaroca (BA), Sento Sé (BA), and Petrolina (PE). The seeds were preconditioned for 16 h at 30 °C on moistened paper and then had the seed coat removed. The experiment followed a completely randomized design in a 7 × 4 factorial arrangement, with seven concentrations of 2,3,5 triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (0.025 to 0.75%) and four immersion times (1 to 4 h), with four replications of 25 seeds. Viability was assessed by the intensity and uniformity of carmine-red staining in the embryo and cotyledons. Low tetrazolium chloride concentrations (≤ 0.025%) underestimated viability, whereas high ones (≥ 0.5%) caused overstaining. Thus, thee range of 0.05 to 0.075% for 3-4 h showed greater diagnostic efficiency, reflecting germination percentages. TZT distinguished viable seeds, with uniform staining and turgid tissues, from non-viable ones. It is concluded that TZT is rapid, reliable, and applicable to programs for conservation, seedling production, and ecological restoration in the Caatinga.
Thesagro:	Semente Faveleira Caatinga Espécie Nativa
NAL Thesaurus:	Cnidoscolus quercifolius
Keywords:	Teste bioquímico Sementes nativas Qualidade fisiológica
DOI:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2317-1545v48302327
Type of Material:	Artigo de periódico
Access:	openAccess
Appears in Collections:	Artigo em periódico indexado (CPATSA)