GERMINATION CHARACTERISTICS OF Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) DEL. SEEDS UNDER VARYING LIGHT AND SOWING ORIENTATIONS IN A SUDANO-SAHELIAN ZONE OF NIGERIA

Year 2022, Volume: 10 Issue: 2, 64 - 71, 05.09.2022

Lucky Dartsa Wakawa Usman Mohammed Suleiman

https://doi.org/10.31195/ejejfs.1071920

Abstract

Balanites aegyptiaca trees have multiple benefits to people in the arid/semi arid regions of Nigeria. Despite the importance of this species, it is still found in the wild. In order to encourage the domestication of this tree species, this study was conducted to determine the optimum light requirement and best sowing position of B. aegyptiaca seeds that would enhance germination. The experiment was laid out in a 4×3 factorial in a completely randomized design (CRD) and replicated 4 times. Factor A (light) has four levels: 100% (L1) (Control), 75% (L2), 50% (L3) and 25% (L4). Factor B (sowing orientation) has 3 levels: seeds sown vertically with stalk upward (SO1), seeds sown vertically with stalk downward (SO2) and seeds sown horizontally (SO3). Germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT days) and germination speed (GS) were the variables assessed. The results show that, light intensity and the interaction between light did not significantly influence the germination indices assessed. However, exposure to high light intensity (100%) resulted in better GP (13.81±7.18) and GS (2.85±1.84). Sowing orientation was also found not to affect GP and MGT significantly. However, it affects GS significantly. Sowing seed vertically with stalk upward gave better GP (15.79±6.02) but early completion of germination (11.29±7.17 days) was observed when seed were sown horizontally. Seeds sown vertically with stalk upward germinate faster (3.44±1.85). Balanites aegyptiaca seeds should be sown in a vertical position with their stalk upward under moderate light exposure.

Keywords

Balanites aegyptiaca, Desert date, Germination percentage, Mean germination time

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