Effect of pre-germination treatments on the early performance of Parkia biglobosa

Abstract

This research explores the impact of pre-germination treatments on the early performance of Parkia biglobosa, addressing four key  objectives: (1) assessing germination rate under different treatments, (2) determining the influence on early growth parameters, (3)  comparing treated seedlings with untreated controls, and (4) identifying the most effective pre-germination treatment. Three treatments (treatment A (control), treatment B (Cold water), treatment C (Sulphuric acid) were applied to seeds in a controlled experiment.  Germination characteristics and seedling growth were monitored over 13 weeks. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and Tukey HSD,  were employed to interpret the results. The results reveal Treatment C as the most effective, significantly enhancing germination  percentage (C: 33.33%, A: 28.89%, B: 21.11%), germination rate (C: 1.27, A: 0.56, B: 0.39), and reducing germination time (C: 7.94 days, A:  15.14 days, B: 16.60 days). Seedlings under Treatment C consistently exhibited taller stature across weeks (Week 13 - C: 20.56 cm, A: 18.98  cm, B: 19.55 cm) and more leaves (Week 13 - C: 6.20, A: 5.80, B: 5.82) compared to other treatments. Statistical analyses confirmed the  significance of treatment-related differences in total height (F = 2.786, p = 0.011) but not in total leaf (F = 1.190, p = 0.321). Treatment C1  stood out as significantly different from others in terms of total height (C1: 52.14, B1: 73.11, C2: 89.84) but not in total leaf. Treatment C,  especially C1, is recommended as the optimal pre-germination treatment for enhancing both germination and early growth parameters  of Parkia biglobosa seedlings. Further investigations are suggested to understand the specific factors contributing to its effectiveness,  considering environmental variations. Long-term studies should assess the treatment's impact on mature tree yield. Knowledge transfer mechanisms are crucial for disseminating findings to stakeholders, facilitating the adoption of best practices in Parkia biglobosa  cultivation.