Effect of some mechanical and chemical treatments on seed germination of date palm (Phoenis dactylifera L.)
2007
Warrag, M.O., King Saud University, Buriedah ( Saudi Arabia), College of Agriculture and veterinary Medicine | Warrag, E.I., Sudan Uneversity of Sceince and Technology, Shambat (Sudan). College of Agricultural Studies | Warrag, E.I., University of Khartoum, Shambat (Sudan). Faculty of Forestry
To identify the factors responsible for the slow seed germination of date palm, the effect of some mechanical and chemical treatments on germination rate of the cultivar Ruzeiz seeds were studied. The treatments were seed scarification by trimming of seed tips, excision of apical portion or complete removal of operculum, and concentrated sulphuric acid treatment. Evaluated by the time to reach 50% of final germination (GT50) and the corrected germination rate index (CGRI); the germination rate \\,;,as substantially increased by mechanical and chemicn! seed scarification and/ or removal of the opercula. Also, the excision of the apical portions of the opercula from the seeds resulted in significant Iy lower germination rate than the complete removal of the opercula. Thus. apparently seed coat impermeability to water or gases and mechanical resistance of the operculum to embryo elongation are the primary factors involved in the slow germination of date palm. The concentrated sulphuric acid treatment for 30 minutes incre:.tsed the germination rate signiticantly without reducing seed viability and, hence. could be used successfully as an easily performed practical method to speed up the seed germination of date palm
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