Effect of Different Water Temperatures on the Germination of Flemingia semialata Seedlings

Abstract

Seedling germination of Flemingia semialata, a leguminous species commonly used in agroforestry systems, is influenced by various environmental factors, including water temperature. This study investigates the impact of different water temperatures on seedling growth of F. semialata. Seeds were exposed to five water temperature treatments over three different durations (5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes) at the following temperatures: 20 °C, 40 °C, 60 °C, 80 °C, and 100 °C. After treatment, approximately 100 g of seeds were sown in three plastic trays, each containing 2 kg of vermiculite. The entire experiment was conducted under controlled room conditions. Seedling growth was monitored by counting the number of leaves at two-day intervals. Results indicated that the height number of seedlings germinated in the group treated with 80 °C water for 10 minutes, followed by treatments at 60 °C, 100 °C, 40 °C, and 20 °C. The results suggest that a moderate temperature of 80 °C for 10 minutes is most conducive to seedling establishment in F. semialata.