Effect of presowing treatments on germination and Growth of Semecarpus anacardium L. f.

Abstract

Semecarpus anacardium has been recognized for its medicinal properties in treating various ailments. Nevertheless, the hard seed coat and low germination rates pose significant challenges to its application in afforestation, reforestation, and commercial plantation initiatives. To address these challenges, an experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with nine distinct treatments in three replications. Ninety seeds of Semecarpus anacardium were used for each treatment in three replications and these seeds were sown on seed bed of 10m x 1m with potting media of soil, sand, and FYM in the ratio of 2:1:1. Among the treatments, Seeds treated with 98% conc. H2SO4 for one minute (T7) ) exhibited markedly superior results, demonstrating germination percentage of (78.88%), germination energy of (44.44%), shorter germination period (15 days), Collar diameter (1.97 cm), and shoot-to-root ratio (0.43). Conversely, the treatment GA3 500 ppm have significantly influenced the maximum root length (15.6 cm), shoot length (14.7 cm), number of leaves (13.7), and the dry weight of the root (11.48 g) and shoot (3.84 g).