Characteristics and Germination BehaviorOf Sterculia setigera (L.) Del. Seeds

Abstract

Sterculia setigera (Tartar) a multipurpose savanna tree is a priority tree species for conservation in Sudan. This study aimed to evaluate seed characteristics and germination behavior of Sterculia setigera seeds. Tartar seeds were collected from two sources (crown and ground) from El Nour forest in Blue Nile State. Seed characteristics and the standard germination test were determined following ISTA Rules (1993). Comparison of seed parameters means was performed using Student’s t-test. To assess the response to pregermination treatments Tartar seeds were subjected to the following treatments: aril removal; soaking in tap water for 72, 48 and 24 hours; soaking in boiling water for 10 and 5 minutes and control (untreated seeds). Seeds from both sources were sown in a germination cabinet under controlled conditions and the germination behavior was evaluated over a period of five weeks. A completely randomized design with four replicates arranged in a factorial setting (2×7) was used. Results on moisture content percentage classified Tartar seeds as orthodox. The effect of seed source on morphometric characters, size index and shape index was significant (p˂0.05).There were no significant (p>0.05) differences between the two seed sources in total germination percent whereas germination rate was found to be significant only in week 2. Significant (p˂0.05) differences in germination were observed across the treatments. Aril removal and soaking in tap water for72, 48 and 24 hours significantly increased the germination percentage giving 79,5% ,65.5%.74.2% and 67.1% respectively , compared to the control (32%).