Effects of Boiled Water Pre-Sowing Treatment on the Germination and Early Growth Performance of Faidherbia albida in Three Ecological Zones of Ghana

Abstract

Aims: To identify an appropriate boiled water pre-sowing treatment regime for improved germination, survival and early growth performance of Faidherbia albida (Delile) A. Chev., in three ecological zones of Ghana. Study Design: The design was a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) in three replicates, where the three different ecological zones were considered as blocks. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Bolgatanga (Guinea Savannah Zone), Abofuor (Forest-Savannah Transitional Zone), and Kumasi-Mesewam (Moist Semi-deciduous Forest Zone) between April 2017 and April 2018. Methodology: Matured seeds of F. albida were harvested, dried and cleaned. For each treatment replicate, one hundred F. albida seeds were immersed in boiled water (100ºC) for 0, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 300 seconds and then, soaked in water at room temperature for 24 hours. Seeds were then sown in drills on well prepared seed beds, and then observed for germination. Watering was done to keep the soil moist until the onset of germination. Results: There were significant interactive effects between ecological zones and pre-sowing treatments with respect to Final germination percentage (P<0.001), Germination rates (P<0.001) and Survival percentage (P=0.007). Root length (P=0.040), total plant length (P=0.040) and Number of leaves (P<0.001) also exhibited significant interactive effects due to ecological zones and pre-sowing treatments. Roots were significantly longer in the GSZ than in the more humid ecological zones whereas stems were significantly longer in the MSFZ than in the drier GSZ. Conclusion: Different durations of F. albida seeds in boiled water had different effects on germination and growth in the different ecological zones.