GERMINATION CHARACTERISTICS OF Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) DEL. SEEDS UNDER VARYING LIGHT AND SOWING ORIENTATIONS IN A SUDANO-SAHELIAN ZONE OF NIGERIA

Authors : Lucky Dartsa WAKAWA, Usman Mohammed SULEİMAN

Pages : 64-71

Doi:10.31195/ejejfs.1071920

View : 18 | Download : 4

Publication Date : 2022-09-05

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Balanites aegyptiaca trees have multiple benefits to people in the arid/semi arid regions of Nigeria. Despite the importance of this species, it is still found in the wild. In order to encourage the domestication of this tree species, this study was conducted to determine the optimum light requirement and best sowing position of B. aegyptiaca seeds that would enhance germination. The experiment was laid out in a 4×3 factorial in a completely randomized design insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(CRD); and replicated 4 times. Factor A insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(light); has four levels: 100% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(L1); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Control);, 75% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(L2);, 50% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(L3); and 25% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(L4);. Factor B insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(sowing orientation); has 3 levels: seeds sown vertically with stalk upward insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(SO1);, seeds sown vertically with stalk downward insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(SO2); and seeds sown horizontally insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(SO3);. Germination percentage insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(GP);, mean germination time insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(MGT days); and germination speed insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(GS); were the variables assessed. The results show that, light intensity and the interaction between light did not significantly influence the germination indices assessed. However, exposure to high light intensity insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(100%); resulted in better GP insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(13.81±7.18); and GS insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2.85±1.84);. Sowing orientation was also found not to affect GP and MGT significantly. However, it affects GS significantly. Sowing seed vertically with stalk upward gave better GP insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(15.79±6.02); but early completion of germination insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(11.29±7.17 days); was observed when seed were sown horizontally. Seeds sown vertically with stalk upward germinate faster insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(3.44±1.85);. Balanites aegyptiaca seeds should be sown in a vertical position with their stalk upward under moderate light exposure.
Keywords : Balanites aegyptiaca, Desert date, Germination percentage, Mean germination time