Abstract
Aim: Effect of nine seed pretreatments and seven soil types was studied on seed germination and seedling growth of Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del., an endangered medicinal plant, under growth chamber and greenhouse conditions, with a view to enhance its propagation and growth.
Methodology: Out of 10 lots of 100 seeds each, nine were soaked separately (1) in concentrated H2SO4 for 5 min, 10 min and 15 min, (2) in waterfor 24 hr, 48 hr, and 72 hr, and (3) in boiling distilled waterfor 5 min, 10 min and 15 min. One (untreated) lot was used as the control. Pre-Treated seeds with the best % germination were sown in 7 types of soil, viz. Sand, Clay, Sand + Clay (1:1), Sand + Clay (2:1), Sand + Clay (1:2), Sand + Clay + Peat moss (1:1:1) and Sand + Clay + Peat moss+ Perlite (2:2:2:1).
Results: Seed pretreatments had a significant effect on seed germination, the highest germination percentage (82.5%) coming from soaking in waterfor 24 h. The least mean germination time (14.5 days) was obtained with seeds soaked in waterfor 15 min, although they showed a low (25%) germination percentage. Among the soil types, pure sand was the best, giving the highest (82%) germination percentage and the least (18 days) mean germination time. With reference to parameters related to seedling growth, combination of sand, clay and peat moss (1:1:1) was the best media for cultivation of this species, resulting in the maximum height (64.1cm), girth (3.6mm) and vigor index (50) of the seedling after a six month growth.
Interpretation: Soaking seeds in water for 24 hr was the best pretreatment for optimal germination performance. Sand was the best germination media, which became highly favourable for seedling growth on being supplemented with clay and peat moss.