Assessment of the Effect of Different Pre-sowing Treatments on Seeds of Prosopis cineraria: A Review

Abstract

Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce (Khejri) is a multipurpose tree of arid and semi-arid regions and is important for agroforestry, afforestation and dryland restoration. Its regeneration through seed, however, is frequently limited by physical dormancy associated with a hard and impermeable seed coat, which restricts water uptake and gas exchange and results in delayed and uneven germination. This review synthesises literature on pre-sowing treatments used to improve germination and early seedling establishment in P. cineraria. The reviewed treatments include mechanical scarification, hot water treatment, acid scarification, hormonal priming and biological inoculation. Scarification methods improve seed coat permeability and are repeatedly reported to enhance germination percentage, germination rate and uniformity. Acid scarification is often reported as highly effective, but its use requires controlled exposure and careful handling to avoid embryo injury. Mechanical scarification and hot water treatment may provide safer and more practical alternatives for nursery use. Hormonal treatments, particularly those involving gibberellic acid, may further support embryo growth and reserve mobilisation, while biological treatments involving Rhizobium, PGPR, PSB and mycorrhizal fungi may improve seedling establishment and stress tolerance. The review also indicates that germination is influenced by seed viability, provenance, temperature, moisture, salinity, oxygen availability and soil conditions. Standardised, field-applicable and environmentally safe protocols are needed to support large-scale propagation of P. cineraria.