Purpose:

To analyze and compare the anatomy and composition of the seed coat from E. cyclocarpum seeds from two different origins and harvest years, and from 12 other legume species, through images obtained from a scanning electron microscope (SEM) as well as to perform a germination test and a proximal analysis of the first species.

Methodological design:

Samples of the E. cyclocarpum seed coat from two different provenances and years of harvest (1983 and 2019) were observed in an electronic microscope along with 12 other legume species. Scarification treatments for a germination test and a proximal analysis were conducted for E. cyclocarpum seeds collected in 2019.

Results:

The number of cell layers present in all of the species ranges from four to eight. The statistical analysis of germination was significant (p <0.0001) among the treatments; the one with the highest germination was sanding. The presence of a high percentage of lignin (L), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (FDA), and nitrogen-free extract (ELN) in the seed coat was found.

Research limitations:

To obtain a seed coat sample, it is necessary to consider the location on the seed from which it is taken since the thickness of the seed coat can vary.

Findings:

The cell layers present in the seed coat are cuticle, macrosclereids, osteosclereids, and parenchyma (spongy, palisade, compact); It was observed that E. cyclocarpum has seven and eight layers while in the rest of the species four to eight. The presence of cell layers and lignin in the seed coat of E. cyclocarpum determines its physical dormancy.