Seed Germination Behaviour and Factors Affecting Germination in Arjun (Terminalia arjuna): A Review

Abstract

Terminalia arjuna is an important medicinal and multipurpose forest tree species widely distributed in tropical regions of the Indian subcontinent. The species possesses significant ecological, economic, and pharmaceutical importance, particularly due to its well-known cardioprotective properties. However, large-scale propagation of Terminalia arjuna is often constrained by poor and irregular seed germination caused by hard and woody fruit covering, dormancy behaviour, and environmental factors. The present review summarizes available research findings on seed germination behaviour, factors affecting germination, pre-sowing seed treatments, and nursery practices associated with successful seedling establishment of  Terminalia arjuna. The review highlights the influence of seed coat hardness, moisture availability, temperature, seed storage duration, nursery media, and biotic interactions on germination and early seedling growth. Various pre-sowing treatments such as mechanical scarification, sulphuric acid treatment, hot water soaking, and application of plant growth regulators including gibberellic acid (GA₃) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were found effective in enhancing germination percentage, reducing germination time, and improving seedling vigour. Studies also indicated that appropriate nursery media, root trainer technology, and mycorrhizal associations significantly improve seedling establishment and survival under nursery conditions. The review concludes that proper pre-sowing treatments combined with scientific nursery management practices can substantially improve propagation efficiency and establishment success of Terminalia arjuna for plantation and conservation programmes.