Cost effective protocol: Breaking seed dormancy to obtain homogenous germination for large scale propagation of Gmelina arborea Roxb

Abstract

It has always been a challenge for scientists and forest managers to break seed dormancy to obtain homogenous germination for large scale propagation. The hard seed coat plays a major role in dormancy of forest seeds. The effect of pre-treatments such as hot water, conc. sulphuric acid, pre-soaking, hot soil followed by chilled water etc were tested on breaking seed dormancy. Good germination rate was obtained in seeds treated with hot soil followed by pouring chilled water. The method was innovative and successfully. This study gives a cost effective protocol for homogenous seed germination for large scale propagation and commercial production of G. arborea saplings.