RESPONSE OF TAMARIND (<em>TAMARINDUS</em> <em>INDICA</em>) TO PRESOWING SEED TREATMENT WITH GROWTH STIMULANTS

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of presowing seed treatment with seven growth stimulants on germination and seedling growth of tamarind (Tamarindus indica). The growth stimulants evaluated were IBA 100 ppm, IAA 100 ppm, ZnSO₄ 2%, succinic acid 1%, KC1 1%, KH₂PO₄ 3% and cow's urine 50/50 v/v. The unsoaked seeds served as the control. Two growth stimulants (IAA and succinic acid) proved superior to the others in enhancing the germination and seedling vigour. Soaking in IBA 100 ppm improved
the shoot and root lengths and dry weight better than the other treatments. The leaf area was maximised by cow's urine. The chlorophyll and soluble protein contents were more for seeds soaked in KC1 3%.