Abstract Detail

Ecophysiology

Agbanelo, Chineze Agatha [1], Okpara, Gloria C. [1], Ude, Bartholomew [2].

Scarification And Temperature: Solution To Prolonged Seed Germination Of Raphia Spp From Nigeria.

Raphia is economically important in wine and fibre production. Due to its prolonged period of germination and maturity, it has discouraged many people from going into its cultivation. This study was done to improve the speed of germination of Raphia spp thus eradicating its prolonged period of germination. The treatments were mechanical scarification, varied temperature and a combination of the treatments on the seeds. Mechanical scarification (removal of integument) with
the seeds exposed to temperature range of 23 0 c - 30 0 c were compared to a control (no scarification) in a greenhouse. Percentage germination and germination rate were calculated at the end of the three month experiment. Mechanical scarification at the temperature range of 28 0 c -30 0 c enhanced the germination of the Raphia seeds in the greenhouse while no germination was recorded in the scarified group in the temperature range of 23 0 c - 27 0 c and the unscarified group regardless of the temperature. This result has shown that temperature and scarification has a positive influence on the period of Raphia spp seed germination and therefore could be used to solve the problem of prolonged period of germination in Raphia.

1 - Imo State University, Owerri., Department of Botany, Owerri, Imo , 23401, Nigeria
2 - University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nsukka, Enugu, 23401, Nigeria

Keywords:
Scarification
Germination
Temperature.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: ECOPH2, Ecophysiology II
Location: San Pedro 2/Starr Pass
Date: Tuesday, July 30th, 2019
Time: 2:45 PM
Number: ECOPH2006
Abstract ID:108
Candidate for Awards:None