Effect of water temperatures and seed weights on the germination of black plum (Vitex doniana sweet) seeds

Abstract

Vitex doniana is an underexploited indigenous tree species with enormous potentials. Investigation was conducted in Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, Kaduna during dry season of 2018 to overcome problems associated with germination of Vitex doniana seeds. Effect of temperatures of water (27, 56, 73 and 96^oC) and seed weights (3.3, 1.4 and 1.2 g) on the germination of V. doniana was laid down in a split-plot experimental design with five replications. Interaction of temperatures of water and seed weights significantly (P<0.05) enhanced the germination of V. doniana seeds. A significant germination percentage of 46.67 % was recorded in seeds soaked in 56 ^oC water. Germination percentage among the seed weights were not significantly (P<0.05) different. The least mean germination time of 12 days was recorded in 1.2 g seeds soaked in 73 ^oC water for 45 minutes. A significant germination percentage value of 80 % was recorded in 3.3 g seeds soaked in 96 ^oC water. Soaking of 3.3 g seeds in 96 ^oC water enhanced the germination of V. doniana. The study therefore recommends soaking of 3.3 g seeds in 96 ^oC water for 45 minutes.

Keywords: Temperature of water, Seed weights, Germination, Indigenous fruit tree species