Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

MATURITY INDICES AND DORMANCY BREAKING METHODS OF BLACK LOCUST (RHOBINIA PSEUDOACACIA ) SEEDS UNDER TEMPERATE KASHMIR CONDITION

Hilal A. Bhat, Malik Asif, Naseer A. Mir, Aijaz-un-Nabi, Asif Ali Gatto, Faizan Ahmad and Nazir Hussain

Abstract

Studies were undertaken to ascertain the seed/pod maturation and dormancy behaviour of black locust under temperate Kashmir conditions and it was observed that the seeds were mature enough by 1st September and seed colour changed from chocolate to black. The germination percentage was recorded as 64 per cent. After September, the seed germination decreased. Minimum germination percentage was recorded as 12.07 by the seeds collected on 15th October, indicating that the seeds enter into a state of dormancy. Dormancy release seed treatments of Robinia pseudoacacia on germination parameters were studied under laboratory conditions. It was found that seeds pre-treated with boiling water for 1 minute was most effective followed by concentrated sulphuric acid (98%) treatment for 1 minute. Germination was enhanced from 12.07 (untreated) to 82.24 (1 minute dip in boiling water treatment).