The effects of pretreatment of Acacia nilotica and Acrocarpus fraxinifolius seeds on germination and early development

A germination and early development study was performed in Musoma, Tanzania on the species Acacia nilotica and Acrocarpus fraxinifolius as part of an agroforestry research programme. Three pretreatments on the seeds were done; (1) no treatment, (2) soaked, and (3) scratched and soaked. Seeds from each treatment were sown in either shade or sun. Too few A. fraxinifolius seeds germinated to get reliable data. The scratched and soaked seeds of A. nilotica had a developmental advantage as they germinated earlier and more synchronized. Shade had a slightly positive effect on the germination time irrespective of treatment but acted negative on development. I conclude that scratching followed by soaking is preferable to small scale farmers as this is an easy and effective pretreatment of A. nilotica seeds.
 
According to my study the germination phase of A. nilotica should be done in shade followed by full sun. This would give the best results for the farmer, but further studies need to be applied to fully establish this.
 

Holmberg, S. (2013). The effects of pretreatment of Acacia nilotica and Acrocarpus fraxinifolius seeds on germination and early development. Bachelor’s Thesis. Committee of Tropical Ecology. Uppsala University.
 
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