Study on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Piliostigma thonningii (Schum) Mine-Re

Abstract

Piliostigma thonningii exits and flourishes in arid ecological zones of Nigeria where aforestation and reforestation is required. Seed germination and seedling growth of Piliostigma thonningii was studied. Seeds of P. thonningii were collected, separated into five batches and soaked in concentrated H₂SO₄ at four different soaking periods (5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes). Seeds untreated served as control. Seeds were then sown in germination boxes and studied for growth parameters. On statistical analysis, the result showed that treatment effect was significant on germination of Piliostigma thonningii seeds. Seeds soaked in H₂SO₄ for 20 minutes had the highest germination percentage (48%). Also, there was significant difference in the effect of treatment on leaf count.

Key words: Piliostigma thonningii, Seeds, germination, growth and treatment