The effect of different treatments on seed dormancy breaking and early seedlinggrowth of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.)

This study evaluated different methods of improving seed germination in tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design and each treatment was replicated four times. Treatments were consisting of distilled water for 24 h at ambient temperature, hot water 80 Ċ for 5 min, potassium nitrate (KNO3) at 1 and 2% for 24 h, sulphuric acid (98% H2SO4) for 5 min, sulphuric acid (50% H2SO4) for 10 min and control (seeds were not treated). Results showed that the greatest percentage and speed germination and was observed in treatment of sulphuric acid (98% H2SO4) for 5 min. The lowest Mean time to germination was obtained in sulphuric acid (98% H2SO4) for 5 min followed by potassium nitrate at 1% . Maximum seed vigour index was observed in sulphuric acid (98% H2SO4) for 5 min that had no had no significant difference with sulphuric acid (50% H2SO4) for 10 min and potassium nitrate (1 and 2%) for 24h. pre-treatment of distilled water and hot water were not effective in improving seed germination of tamarind. The highest number leaf, length of shoot and root, fresh and dry weight of stem and root was observed in potassium nitrate at 1% for 24h followed by potassium nitrate at 2%. Therefore, the results showed that pre-treatment of seed with potassium nitrate 1% for 24h is effective way to improve seed germination and early growth of tamarind.