Effect of stratification and sulphuric acid scarification for breaking seed dormancy on different genotypes of Arecaceae family; Phoenix dactylifera and Washingtonia robusta.

Abstract

Effect of stratification and sulphuric acid scarification for breaking seed dormancy on different genotypes of Arecaceae family; Phoenix dactylifera and Washingtonia robusta.
Muwaya Alasasfa*
Abstract
This study aims at examining the effect of stratification and sulphuric acid scarification treatments on Medjool, wild date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) and Washingtonia robusta seeds. The results showed that the highest germination percentage was obtained from wild date palm genotype. The results also showed that the highest plumule length was obtained from Washingtonia robusta seed after 30 days of planting. Furthermore, the study showed that the employment of different pre sowing treatments induced significant increase in germination percentage, radicle length and plumule length of seeds after 20 and 30 days of planting. The highest germination percentage was reported when the seeds were immersed in cold water( 8 °C ) for 12 hours followed by hot water ( 80 °C ) for 8 hours. Additionally, it was found that the type of water source during germination process (whether tap or distilled water) had no significant effect on germination percentage or radicle and plumule lengths.
Keywords: Germination percentage; Radicle length; Plumule length; Scarification; Stratification.
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