Scarification and maternal plant effects on seedling emergence in Ziziphus mucronata (Rhamnaceae).

The article discusses the importance of scarification and maternal plant on the breaking of dormancy and increase of seedling emergence in Ziziphus mucronata or rhamnaceae in southern Africa. Experiments using three pre-sowing treatments that involved intact fruit, fruit pulp removed and fruit scarified were conducted to examine the germination response of Z. mucronata. The results indicated that maternal plant and pre-sowing treatments had significant effect on the seedling emergence. It was suggested that acid scarification and using fruits from maternal plants should be used for rapid seedling emergence.