Effects of Hydro Priming on Germination Time and Rate of Small Cola Seeds (Garcinia Kola Heckel, Clusiaceae)

Abstract

Despite its socio-economic importance, the cultivation of Garcinia kola is very limited due to the slow germination of its seeds. In order to facilitate the domestication of this plant species, the present study set itself the objective of improving the germination rate of its seeds in a short time. The methodology involved subjecting 150 G. kola seeds to six (06) treatments which are: the treatment with seed coat without soaking in tap water (absolute control), the 24 hour soaking treatment with seed coat, the 48 hour soaking treatment with seed coat, the treatment without seed coat or soaking (relative control), the 24 hour soaking treatment without seed coat and the 48 hour soaking treatment without seed coat. The seeds treated differently were sown the same day in the nursery in bags filled with soil. Evaluation of seed germination, diameter and height of seedlings, length and number of leaves were measured every seven (07) days. The results obtained indicate that soaking G. kola seeds devoid of seed coat in water for 24 hours before sowing promotes a good germination rate of 36% within seven (07) days. After 11 days, 50% of the seeds in this treatment germinated. The longest germination time was observed in seeds sown with seed coat without soaking. Soaked seeds without seed coat produced the most vigorous plants with height growth of 0.34 cm/day and diameter increment of 0.15 mm/day. The variations in time and germination rate of G. kola seeds at different treatments indicate that the tissues of this plant species can respond to in vitro culture.