Effect of seed treatment for laboratory germination of Albizia chinensis

Seeds of Albizia chinensis(Osb.) Merr. in addition to water were also treated with different treatments by incubating in ethyl alcohol, acetone, and petroleum ether at room temperature for different durations. Seed heat treatment was done at temperatures of 30, 40 and 60°C for different durations up to 24 h. To overcome dormancy caused by the impermeable seed coat, seeds were nicked and also treated with concentrated sulphuric acid for different durations. Seeds responded to treatments with sulphuric acid and nicking only. Treatment with sulphuric acid for 20 and 30 min showed maximum germination at all incubation temperatures as compared to untreated controls and seeds treated with sulphuric acid for 10 min and nicking. Seedling length was greatest from seeds treated with sulphuric acid for 20 and 30 min and incubated at 30 °C. Seedling dry weight was highest from nicked seeds incubated at 20°C. The most favourable incubation temperature was 30 °C as evidenced from G _RI (germination rate index) and G _V (germination value). After ascertaining the seed response and performance we recommend that seeds of Albizia chinensis be treated with sulphuric acid for 20 or 30 min and incubation temperature of 25 to 30°C.