EFFECT OF SEED SIZE AND PRETREATMENTS ON GERMINATION OF ALBIZIA LEBBECK (L.) BENTH

摘要

Albizia lebbeck seeds reflected variations in size and weight among the natural seed lot. They were categorized into four statistically different groups based on their average 100-seed weight. Each of these groups showed variations in per cent germination and seedling quality. Bold seeds recorded high germination percentage. They also recorded higher germination value and Dickson's Quality Index as compared to light seeds. Seed pretreatment increased per cent germination and enhanced homogeneity resulting reduction in cull percentage. Mechanical scarification gave the best result while long duration (>15 minutes) of sulphuric acid pretreatment was deleterious for germination.