Improving ability to germinate and produce vigorous seedlings of tamarind (Tamarindus indica) trees

Document Type : Original papers

Authors

1 Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Aswan University

2 Horticulture Research Institute, ARC, Egypt

3 Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Aswan University

4 Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt

Abstract

 This study was conducted during the two successive seasons of 2022 and 2023 at Al-Marashda Agricultural Research Station, Qena Governorate in Upper Egypt. The objective of study was to improve tamarind (Tamarindus indica) germination and seedlings growth by using pre-sowing treatments including; untreated seeds, soaking seeds in tap water for 24, 48 and 72 hours, soaking in boiled water for 24 hours, mechanical scarification and concentrated sulphuric acid (H2SO4) for 10 sec. Two separate experiments were carried out where the first was in laboratory and the second was in field. The highest values of germination parameters and growth performance (stem length, root length, seedling fresh and dry weight and vigor index) were recorded with mechanical scarification followed by concentrated H2SO4 and soaking in tap water for 72 hours compared to the control under both laboratory and field conditions for both seasons. Water imbibition and germination of tamarind seeds was observed to be increased by the effect of mechanical scarification that disrupting the seed coats. Therefore, to produce higher germination and vigor seedlings, this study recommended treating seeds with mechanical scarification by sandpaper, concentrated H2SO4 for 10 seconds or soaking seeds for 72 hours in tap water. 

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