Germination ecology of Acacia negrii, an endemic multipurpose tree from Ethiopia

This study attempts to elucidate the most effective means to artificially overcome dormancy of A. negrii seeds. Seeds were mechanically scarified, treated with sulphuric acid for 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours and with boiling water for 15, 30, 45, 60 and 300 seconds. They were also subjected to dry beat treatments at a range of different temperatures (60, 80 and 100 degrees C) and durations (15, 30 and 60 minutes). Results from the present study show that the barrier to water uptake canbe broken by using different treatments involving mechanical scarification, acid, boiling water and, to ' some extent, dry heat treatments, The best germination value at room temperature (99%) was obtained from seeds immersed in boiling water for 45 seconds. Because of it,; low cost, convenience and ease in use, immersion of seeds for 45 seconds in boiling water is recommended for nurseries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]