SEED DORMANCY AND GERMINATION IN ALBIZIA FALCATARIA AND ALBIZIA PROCERA

Abstract

Twenty-two different pre-treatments were tested on Albizia falcataria and A. procera seeds in order to speed germination. The study showed that, in addition to the presence of an impermeable seedcoat and micropylar plug, dormancy in these two species is due to a water soluble inhibitor present in the seedcoat. The possibility of difference in the solubility and/or quantity of the inhibitor present in these two species was indicated; the inhibitor in A. procera may be less in quantity and/or less water soluble. Though treatments such as manual nicking and acid scarification improved the germination percentage, the most effective and practical method of pre treatment to obtain quicker and higher germination in Albizia was physical scarification followed by soaking in flowing water for 24 hours.