EFFECTS OF VARIOUS METHODS OF EXTRACTION ON GERMINATION OF GMELLNA ARBOREA SEEDS/FRUITS

Abstract

The effects of four methods of extraction of Gmelina arborea seeds on germination were investigated. These consisted of seeds extracted: (a) from freshly harvested fruit, (b) after soaking in running water, (c) after fermentation in standing water, and (d) after heaping up in the soil. Intact fruits (unprocessed) were sown as control. The results showed that highest percentage germination was recorded in freshly extracted seeds and this was followed in decreasing order of magnitude by seeds extracted after soaking in running water, heaping and standing in water. Germination was not recorded in the unprocessed fruits. The nongerminability of the seeds was attributed to the non-removal of the fruit pericarp which must have inhibited germination. It was considered best to extract G.arborea seeds fresh without fermentation in order to enhance germination.