Key factors affecting seed germination of Copaifera langsdorffii, a Neotropical tree

In natural conditions biotic and abiotic factors interact, synergistically affecting seed germination. In this study, we experimentally simulated natural conditions that occur during seed dispersal that can affect the germination of Copaifera langsdorffii. Specifically we evaluated the effect of aril removal by different dispersal agents (birds and ants) and fire on germination. The seeds were submitted to the following treatments: Control (seeds placed to germinate with aril intact); Acid (simulation of passage through the digestive tract of a bird); Aril removal (simulation of aril removed by ants); Fire (seeds exposed to fire). Germination percentage and time varied among treatments (X²=89.735, P