Methods to Overcome Dormancy of Propagation Units of Amazon Chicory

Eryngium foetidum is classified as an Unconventional Food Plant with socio-economic importance in the Amazon. Its propagation units exhibit low and irregular germination due to dormancy, although the type of dormancy remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate methods to overcome dormancy and promote germination in E. foetidum propagation units. Treatments included chemical scarification with sulfuric acid (1, 2, and 3 min), mechanical scarification with sandpaper, immersion in room-temperature water and hot water, and a control treatment. Germination percentage, hard and dead propagation units, normal seedlings, first count, germination speed index (GSI), mean germination time (MGT), and relative frequency were evaluated. Data were analyzed using a heat map and a correlation network. The results revealed the formation of two distinct groups. Group I, consisting of chemical scarification treatments, promoted higher germination percentages and GSI, lower MGT, a significant reduction in hard propagation units, and greater germination uniformity, likely due to partial removal of the seed coat. The correlation network showed a strong negative association between hard units and germination, GSI, and first count, reinforcing the role of physical restriction as a determinant of dormancy. Chemical scarification with sulfuric acid was the most effective method for overcoming dormancy in E. foetidum.