Enhanced germination, emergence and seedling vigour of Leucaena leucocephala using hardening hydration and acid shock treatments

Author: Sánchez J.A.   Hernández G.   Reino J.   Muñoz B.C.  

Publisher: International Seed Testing Association

ISSN: 1819-5717

Source: Seed Science and Technology, Vol.35, Iss.1, 2007-04, pp. : 224-231

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

Germination, emergence and seedling vigour of Leucaena leucocephala cv. Cunningham were investigated under acid stress conditions following the exposure of seeds to pregerminative hydration-dehydration and acid shock treatments (seed hardening). A combination of partial hydration in distilled water with an acid shock treatment (immersion in acidified water at pH 5.0) for 1 h increased germination from 12% to 42% in acid conditions. In an acid soil, partial hydrations in distilled water in combination with either or without an acid shock were the best procedures for increasing seedling emergence (from 20% to 52%) and aboveground and underground biomass. Seed hardening treatments promoted germination but also appear to have improved resistance to acid stress.

Related content