In forest species with physical dormancy, defining the ideal harvest point is challenging because of the limited understanding of the relationships among maturation, physiological quality, and seed dormancy. Hymenaea martiana Hayne, a native species of the Caatinga (Brazil) biome with ecological and economic relevance and potential for use in restoration, still requires integrated information on these processes. This study aimed to identify the point of physiological maturity and the moment of establishment of physical dormancy in H. martiana seeds on the basis of the associations between fruit color and indicators of physiological quality. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with a 6 × 2 factorial scheme (maturation stages × with and without scarification), and the physical characteristics and physiological quality of the seeds were evaluated. The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate approaches, with inflection point analysis applied as a complementary method to identify structural changes throughout maturation. Maturation is characterized by a reduction in water content, accumulation of dry matter, and the progressive establishment of physical dormancy. Seed coat dormancy is the main limiting factor for germination, and it is efficiently overcome by mechanical scarification, which confirms the role of seed coat impermeability in controlling imbibition and seedling emergence. Stage V represents the most suitable harvest point under the conditions evaluated, at which point the seeds exhibit physiological maturity associated with the greatest expression of vigor and the best germination performance when subjected to scarification. Defining this interval as the ideal harvest point contributes to improving seed collection and handling strategies, particularly for seedling production.
Silva et al. (2026) studied this question.