Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Acacia jacquemontii (Benth) in Relation to its Seed Size and Sowing Depth in Thar Desert

Abstract

Poor regeneration of Acacia jacquemontii in nature and its overexploitation for multifaceted uses (basket making, small poles, fuel, etc.) has necessitated standardization of nursery techniques for raising quality planting stock of this multipurpose species. A nursery trial using two seed sizes viz. large (>6.5 mm dia) and small «6.5 mm dia); and four sowing depths viz. OJ :0.5 cm, 02: 1.0 , cm, 03: 1.5 cm and 04:2.0 cm was conducted to assess effect of seed size and sowing depth on germination and growth of seedlings, The findings revealed that sowing depth as well as seed size influenced percentage gemlination significantly, Maximum germination (100%) was obtained when seed was sown at 0,5 cm depth, Large seeds gave higher germination than the small seeds, Seed size and sowing depths had significant effect on growth of seedlings; however, their effects were neutralized after 14 and 30 days .of sowing, respectively. The seed size and sowing depth had no significant bearing on number of leaves/plant of growing seedlings, Results suggest that for better seed germination and seedling growth, it is desirable to sow healthy large seed at 0.5 to 1,0 cm depth in nursery.