Abstract:
The effect of water temperature at soaking and various chemical applications following soaking on the germination of Albizia schimperana seed was studied. The aim was to increase the overall germination percentage and to hasten the rate at which germination occurs. The water soaking treatments included: (1) no soaking; (2) soaking at 50°C; (3) soaking at 75°C; and (4) soaking at 99°C. The chemical treatments included; (1) no chemical applied; (2) immersion in KNO3; (3) immersion in H2O2; and (4) combined in a factorial arrangement replicated 4 times.
Germination percentages were generally low, ranging from 10.0 to 33.5% at 36 days after sowing. The highest germination percentage (33.5%) was attained by seeds which were soaked in water at 75°C followed by immersion in hydrogen peroxide. Seeds which were soaked in water at this temperature but not treated with chemicals showed a germination of 32.0%.
It is preliminary recommended that seeds of A. schimperana be immersed in water at the initial temperature of 75°C and allowed to soak until the water cools to room temperature.
