Effect of pre-sowing treatments and seed size on germination in five leguminous tree species

摘要

The effect of pre-sowing treatments on seed germination of five leguminous tree species Albizia arunachalensis, Tamarindus indica, Cassia fistula, Pithecellobium saman and Delonix regia were studied using mechanical scarification, sulphuric acid treatments (5, 10 and 15 minutes) and dry heat treatments at 60, 80 and 100 deg C (15, 30 and 60 minutes). Percentage germination was different among treatments, seed sizes and species. Seeds treated with sulphuric acid gave better germination. Germinationwas higher at 60 deg C dry heat incubation compared to 80 deg and 100 deg C exposures. The dry heat treatments improved germination of Albizia arunachalensis and Delonix regia. However, in Tamarindus indica, the rate of germination was reduced by the dryheat treatments when compared to the scarification treatments. Over all, it was observed that none of the treatment was promotive to all species studied. Nonetheless, a significant positive correlation existed between seed size and germination rate of untreated seeds.