Morphophysiological characteristics of Hymenaea martiana Hayne seeds in Northeastern Brazil are influenced by interannual environmental variations

Hymenaea martiana is of ecological, socioeconomic and folk medicine importance. However, information on how climatic conditions influence the production and quality of its seeds in natural populations is still limited. Influenced by interannual environmental variations. Considering the context of global environmental changes and the need to support collection, management, and conservation practices, this study aimed to analyze whether interannual variations in environmental conditions affect the physical and physiological quality of H. martiana seeds among different individuals of the remaining natural population of the Atlantic Forest in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba. Fruits were collected from 15 mother plants in 2021 and 2022, and the physical characteristics of the seeds, as well as characteristics related to emergence and initial seedling development, were analyzed. A completely randomized design was used, with a 2 × 15 factorial scheme (years and mother plants), with univariate and multivariate analyses being applied. The physical and physiological characteristics of H. martiana seeds are influenced by interannual environmental conditions and genetic variability among parent plants. Among the characteristics evaluated, final emergence was the most sensitive to environmental changes. Therefore, adopting strategies that consider these factors is essential to ensure the production of high-quality seeds, directly influencing the success of forest restoration, conservation, and sustainable use programs for this species.