Effect of containers and storage duration on seed germination and seedling growth of Bahera (Terminalia bellerica Roxb.)

Abstract

The study was conducted at National Research Centre for Agroforestry, Jhansi during 2005-2006. Fresh seeds of Bahera were depulped and subjected to storage by different methods and varying durations up to 18 months. Observations indicated that plastic container after 4 months storage gave maximum 92% germination which was significantly (P=0.05) higher than all other storage duration except those stored in plastic container for 2 months (C₃P₂) and 6 months (CP.) and in gunny bag for 6 months (CzP₄) and heap for 6 months (CIP.). The treatment plastic container for 6 months storage (CP₄) and storage of seed in heap for 6 months (C₁ P₄) produced maximum shoot length and root length, respectively. Biomass yield was maximum in plastic container for 4 months (CP.). Minimum (19) days were taken to initiate germination in case of seeds stored in gunny bags for 16 months (CZP,)) and 29.3days to complete germination in heap for 2 months (C₁P₂).