The peach is a temperate species that presents dormancy, and the exposure to a period at low temperatures is the main method to overcome it. This work consisted in studying the chilling requirement for germination of peach seeds. To assess the germination the seeds were stratified at alternating temperatures of 5ºC and 10ºC every 2 days and observed in order to verify the onset of radicle emission. The time (days) required for seeds to reach 50% germination was determined. A completely randomized design was used, with four replications, each experimental unit consisting of 10 seeds. The families selected according to the characteristic studied were 2303, 4203, 4503 and 5303, considering the selection among and within, whereas the families 2303, 3503, 4203, 4503 and 5303, considering the combined selection. Families studied presented adaptation to the environmental conditions of cultivation, especially concerning the climate, critical to the success of the crop.
Prunus persica; dormancy; selection methods
