Germination potentials of Synsepalum dulcificum (schumach. and thonn.) Daniell seeds to pre-treatment methods

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the germination intensity of Synsepalum dulcificum seeds to various pre-treatment methods. This research was carried out at the forest nursery of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. This present study aimed to determine the most effective mechanism of breaking dormancy to enhance germination intensity in seeds of Synsepalum dulcificum using mechanical scarification at three point on seeds namely microplye, distal end and around the circumference. Also, seeds were soaked in water of temperatures of 20°C, 40°C and 80°C for 10, 30 and 60 mins respectively, in 5,10 and 15% H2SO4 acid for 5, 10 and 15 mins respectively and, in GA3, IAA and IBA hormones of 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03ppm. Obtained data was analyzed using ANOVA and Fisher’s Least Significant Difference was used to separate significant means. Results showed that highest germination percentage was obtained in seeds mechanically scarified around the circumference (50%) which was not significantly different (p>0.05) from the control. Seeds soaked in 20°C water for 30 min was significantly (p<0.05) higher than other treatments in category with germination percentage of 62.5% while highest germination were also obtained in seeds soaked in 5% H2SO4 for 5mins (31.25%) and seeds soaked in 0.02 ppm GA3 (62.5%). The study concludes that S. dulcificum seeds will not have a problem of germination with the presence of suitable germination conditions.

Keywords: Synsepalum dulcificum, seeds, pre-treatment, germination intensity