Improving seed germination by scarification treatments in guava (Psidium guajava L.)
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Date
2015
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CCSHAU
Abstract
The present investigation entitled “Improving seed germination by scarification treatments in
guava (Psidium guajava L.)” was carried out at experimental orchard, Department of Horticulture,
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the year 2014-15. Guava seeds in hold physical
dormancy due to hard seed coat which can be overcome by use of appropriate scarification method for
appropriate duration. There were three scarification methods i.e. water soaking (for 24, 48 and 72
hours), hot water soaking (at 70, 80, 90 and 100ºC) and sulphuric acid soaking (at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50
% dilution). Duration for hot water soaking and sulphuric acid soaking was kept as quick dip (5
seconds), 1 minute and 3 minutes. Various parameters like germination per cent, mean germination
time and days to emergence of seedling were positively affected by all the scarification treatments. All
these treatments significantly decreased mean germination time and days to emergence of seedling. Hot
water soaking at 80ºC for 1 minute improved germination and resulted in maximum seedling length
(6.03 cm) in laboratory. Water soaking also significantly improved germination of guava seeds over
control. Among all the scarification methods and durations used, treatment of guava seeds with 20 per
cent sulphuric acid for 3 minutes was judged best with maximum germination per cent , minimum days
to emergence and minimum mean germination time , seed vigour index and girth of seedlings.
However, the results of quick dip 30 per cent sulphuric acid were at par with the best treatment. Seeds
treated with higher sulphuric acid concentrations or soaked in hot water of higher temperature showed
poor germination as well as poor growth. Seeds without any scarification treatment also showed poor
germination.
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Keywords
Sowing, Soaking, Acidity, Inorganic acids, Sulphur, Germinability, Irrigation, Application methods, Seed treatment, Solutes