The germination of colanuts (<i>Cola nitida</i> Ventenant) Schott and Endlicher

Abstract

Factors affecting colanut (Cola nitida Ventenant) Schott and Endlicher, germination have been investigated. The storage of colanuts enhances germination of the nuts. Within 8 weeks white colanuts germinated faster than red or pink nuts. Some varieties of C. nitida show superior germination characteristics than others. Although greening of stored colanuts stimulates early radicle emergence, subsequent plumule emergence was not affected by greening. Nut size did not affect gennination. Potassium nitrate, sodium nitrite, hydroxylamine, ammonium chloride and potassium cyanide did not show any consistent effect on the germination of colanuts stored for 4 weeks.