African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 2 (9), pp. 276-279, September 2003

ISSN 1684-5315  © 2003 Academic Journals

Full length Research Paper  

Effects of sulphuric acid and hot water treatments on seed germination of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L)

S. Muhammad^1* and   N. A. Amusa²

¹Department of Biological Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.

²Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.M.B. 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan. Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author: E-mail: sanusi1966@yahoo.com.

Accepted 11 August 2003

A study was carried out to investigate the effects of sulphuric acid and hot water treatments on the germination of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L). Seeds were placed on moistened filter papers in 28 cm diameter Petri dishes under laboratory condition for germination. 330 seeds of T.  indica  (10 seeds per Petri dish) with three replicates each were used. The highest germination was recorded in seeds treated with 50 per cent sulphuric acid concentration with 60 min soaking period. Germination was observed to be enhanced by increase in the sulphuric acid concentration, water temperature, and soaking period in all the trials, except with absolute sulphuric acid where poor response was observed. Results of this study may serve as useful information in the production and improvement of the tree species, as knowledge on seed germination requirements is a critical factor in seedlings production.

Key words: Tamarind, Tamarindus indica, sulphuric acid, hot water, germination.