Effect of Seed Size and Pretreatment Methods on Germination of Albizia lebbeck. (29th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Missanjo, Edward; Maya, Chikumbutso; Kapira, Dackious; Banda, Hannah; Kamanga-Thole, Gift
• Other Names: Parolin P. Academic Editor.; Satoh S. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN botany. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-07-29
• Subjects: Botany -- Periodicals; Botany; Periodicals; 580
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/969026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-8598

Abstract

Abstract : Albizia lebbeck is a multipurpose tree species prioritised for conservation in Malawi. The different plant parts are used in traditional medicine to treat different diseases. However, the seeds are dormant, and the tree species remain undomesticated. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of seed size and presowing on the germination of Albizia lebbeck in a nursery. Seeds were grouped into four categories in regard to their length, small (≤0.5 cm), medium (> 0.5 < 0.8 cm), large (≥0.8 cm), and mixture of small, medium, and large seeds. The seeds were subjected to five main seed pretreatment methods, namely, soaking in sulphuric acid for 2 minutes, nicking, soaking in hot water for 5 minutes, soaking in cold water for 24 hours, and control where seeds were sown without any treatment. The results indicate that combination of nicking and large seeds produced the highest (100%) germination. Hot water treatment was effective in large seeds producing 67.5% germination. The increased germination for mechanically scarified seeds through nicking suggests that seed dormancy in Albizia lebbeck is mainly due to its hard seed coat. Therefore, it is recommended to farmers to adopt use of nicking and large seeds, since it is safe and effective.