Germination and Early Growth Assessment of Tamarindus indica L in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract EN

Germination and early growth assessment of Tamarindus indica L.

were conducted to determine the suitable medium for germination and seedlings establishment of the species in Sokoto State, Nigeria.

The viable seeds of the study species were treated with Conc.

H2SO4 for 30 minutes and boiling water for one hour and by soaking in water at room temperature for 12 hours.

The treated seeds were placed in Petri dishes containing filter paper for germination assessment.

The results indicated 68–95% germination of T.

indica seeds within 3–19 days.

Conc.

H2SO4 treatment gave the highest germination percentage of 95%.

T.

indica seeds were treated with Conc.

H2SO4 for 30 minutes and sown into four (4) different potting mixtures for early growth assessment.

Collar diameter, seedlings height, and leaf number were the parameters measured.

Seedlings grown in the mixture of river sand and cow dung (2 : 1) had the highest seedlings height and leaf number, while the highest collar diameter was obtained from seedlings grown in the mixture of river sand and poultry droppings (2 : 1).

However, growing T.

indica in the mixture of river sand and cow dung (2 : 1) after 30 minutes pretreatment was recommended.