Aiming at determining the most suitable conditions for seeds germination of Desmodium
incanum, which is not yet included in the present Seeds Analysis Rules, the effects of light (presence
and absence), substrate (paper and sand) and seed position on the substrate (on and inside) on
germination were evaluated under alternate temperature (20-30ºC during 16 and eight hours, respectively).
Afterwards, based on these results, different constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45ºC)
were tested aiming at defining the extreme temperatures for germination. Germination percentage (P0.05)
under light presence and using sand as substrate, with no effect of seed position on the substrate. The
30ºC temperature allowed the higher germination percentage, therefore being considered the optimal
temperature for D. incanum. At 10, 15 and 45ºC there was no germination, and the minimum and maximum
temperatures were between 15-20ºC and 40-45ºC respectively. Germination under constant 20ºC and
25ºC was not different than under alternate temperature (20-30ºC). Germination under 30ºC and 35ºC was
higher and under 40ºC lower than under alternate temperature.