SEED GERMINATION OF SELECTED DRY DECIDUOUS TREES IN RESPONSE TO FIRE AND SMOKE

Abstract

Seasonally dry tropical forests are facing threat of extinction due to repeated lopping and forest fires. In the present study seed germination of four dry tropical trees, Acacia catechu, Bauhinia variegata, Dalbergia latifolia and Tectona grandis, was studied in response to smoke and fire. All four species showed enhanced germination and seedlings had better vigour than the untreated seedlings. Fire resulted in greater response than smoke. This study suggested the possible roles of fire and smoke in producing high quality seedlings to be used for plantation purposes.