OLDMAN SALTBUSH SEED TREATMENT FOR GERMINATION IMPROVEMENT
MUNIRA.TURK
Abstract
Newly harvested oldman saltbush (Atriplex nummularia
Lindl.) seeds exhibit an exogenous and endogenous dormancy (> 95%). The objective
of the present study was to identify a type of treatment adaptable to the preparation
of seeds in quantity for direct seeding. Old seeds one year old) germinated
better than freshly harvested seeds. Germination of freshly harvested seeds
was encouraged by treating seeds with sulphuric acid (21.5%). A further increase
in germination were observed by soaking the scarified seeds in tap water, Potassium
nitrate (KN03), Benzyladenine (BA) and Gibbe-rellic acid (GAS).
Key words:
Oldman saltbush,.Atriplex nummularia, Potassium nitrate,
Benzyladenine, Gibberellic acid.