Erythrina velutina Willd. (Fabaceae) is a tree species that bears social, ecological,

and economic importance for northeastern Brazil, a region with frequent temperature

variations. The objective of this work was to evaluate the mobilization of reserves during

seed germination and seedling establishment of E. velutina at different temperatures, and

how these mechanisms are affected in a thermal-stress situation. The seeds germinated

at 5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 °C, and the physiological and biochemical aspects of reserve

mobilization (starch, lipids, and total proteins) were assessed during seedling establishment.

Germination, vigor, and the mobilization of reserves from the cotyledons to the embryonic

axis are affected according to the incubation temperature. The temperature of 25 °C favors

the mobilization of reserves during seed germination and seedling establishment in E.

velutina. In a situation of thermal stress, high temperatures affect the establishment of the

seedlings, whereas low temperatures compromise the mobilization of reserves.