Effect of Hot Water Pre-treatment, Light and Storage on Germination of Scheinitzia Novoguinensis Verd Seeds.

Abstract

S. novoguinensis is a multi - purpose legume tree that is indigenous to the Melanesian group of islands in the pacific region. Though commonly used locally in these islands, there has been very little study regarding its use, management and seed germination. This study assesses the germination rate of two seed types (stored and fresh) treated with hot water under different immersion times and germinated under three shade levels. Stored seeds immersed between 30 to 40 seconds and germinated in 100% sunlight achieved the highest germination as compared to other treatments. Most viable seeds germinated between 3-9 days and gradually declined after 18 days.