Filing considerably breaks seed dormancy of Berchemia discolour Hemsley

Abstract

In this study, the effectiveness of different pre-treatment methods for the breakings of seed dormancy in Berchemia discolour Hemsley seeds was assessed. Viable seeds were randomly sampled and subjected to different pre-treatment methods which include filing, soaking in 98% concentrated sulphuric acid, pre-chilling and boiling. For each treatment, ten seeds were used and three replications were done for each treatment. The investigation revealed that filing enhances seed germination and seed dormancy is likely due to the hard seed coat which has to be weakened or broken gently to avoid embryo damage, thus facilitating germination. Although, filing caused seeds to germinate, the mean germination rate of 13.3% that was achieved is too low to make this investigation conclusive. Further studies similar to this are recommended to improve the germination rate to higher than 30%.