Dormancy Breaking and the Influence of Gibberellic Acid on the Early Growth of Tamarindus indica Seedlings in Mubi, Nigeria
S. C. Yusuf *
Department of Botany, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria.
N. N. Zakawa
Department of Botany, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria.
T. D. Tizhe
Department of Botany, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria.
D. Timon
Department of Botany, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria.
J. J. Obot
Department of Biology Education, Undergraduate Studies, College of Education, Hong, Adamawa State, Nigeria.
S. G. Linus
Department of Botany, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to determine the appropriate methods of breaking seed dormancy, level of water uptake, and the influence of gibberellic acid on the early growth of Tamarindus indica seedlings. The scarification methods used included: concentrated sulphuric acid (H2SO4), manual scarification, flaming, hot and cold water treatments. The experiments were conducted in the laboratory on Petri dishes and in potting media. GA3 was used to optimize the production of seedlings by spraying the solution on the foliage. The treatment for 10 minutes with concentrated H2SO4 gave the maximum germination percentage and water uptake (80.41%). GA3 enhances the growth of the seedlings by increasing the height, the number of leaves and stem girth at eight weeks after sowing. In conclusion, all the scarification treatments applied to the seeds of T. indica proved effective. The ten minutes treatment with concentrated H2SO4 was the best treatment for breaking seed dormancy of T. indica. And gibberellic acid enhanced early and fast seedling growth as it increase height, number of leaves and stem girth of T. indica.
Keywords: Growth, seedlings, gibberellic acid, dormancy, Tamarindus indica.