Germination Potential and Seedling Establishment of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) as Influenced by Different Pre-treatment Techniques
Ekwugha Ugochi Eucharia
Department of Forestry and Wildlife Technology
Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State
Email: uggold2005@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The research on germination potential and seedling establishment of pigeon pea (cajanus cajan) as influenced by different pre-treatment techniques was carried out to determine the best pre-germination treatment technology for pigeon pea seeds. The treatments were Hot Water, Cold water, Diluted Tetraoxo sulphate (vi) acid, and moderate scarification with sand paper. The seeds of pigeon pea were sown in poly bags filled with topsoil, poultry manure and fine river sand in the ratio of 1:2:3: respectively. The treatment were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated four times using poly bags giving a total of 36 bags for each germination medium respectively. Data were collected at 4,8,12 weeks after planting on the following parameters; germination count, plant height, stem girth, and number of leaves. All the data collected were analyzed using analysis of variance and mean separation carried out using least significant difference (LSD) at 5% level of probability. Results show that while treatment with tethraoxo sulphate (vi) inhibited germination of pigeon pea, scarification treatment at 8 WAP for 9min recorded 100% germination. Similarly, seeds scarified for 9mins at 4, 6 and 8 WAP recorded mean plant height of 19.07cm, 24.87cm and 30.00cm respectively. The results of stem girth and number of leaves per plant followed the same trend with scarification treatment recording the best stem girth and highest mean number of leaves. Hence, to attain higher percentage germination, reduced dormancy period, and better seedling establishment, the seeds of pigeon pea should be pre-treated with scarification or hot water soaking.
