2024, Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part B
The effects of different scarification methods on the germination of tamarind (Tamarindus Indica)
Author(s): Ncomizulu Jewel Donga, Rusere Sithembiso, Mtaita Tuarira, Chakeredza Sebastian and Kurehwatira Munashe
Abstract: Scarification is a method of breaking the dormancy of seeds, which facilitates the seeds germination process by enabling the seed coat to weaken allowing for efficient absorption of water. The study aims at evaluating the effects of different scarification techniques on the germination of tamarind (Tamarindus Indica) seeds. The treatments were inclusive of 50% H2SO4, 1% KNO3, boiling water at 99 °C, dry heat at 40 °C and distilled water as the negative control. The different scarification treatments were applied to tamarind seeds for two hours and were then plated on Petri dishes for a germination test. The germination performance was observed and statistically analysed using ANOVA. The results showed no significant different among three treatments, boiling water, potassium nitrate and distilled water. With sulphuric acid and dry heat, there was a significant difference. Possible causes of such variation. Would be the presence of a fungal contaminant, Rhizopus that inhibited germination of some seeds. The sequence of the highest germination rate starts with the boiling water treatment, potassium nitrate, distilled water and dry heat treatment. The seeds subjected to sulphuric acid did not germinate. Germination commencement happened in potassium nitrate first 10 days post treatment followed by boiling water and distilled water treatment on day 12. The seeds treated with dry heat germinated on day 15. The seed coat was evidently weakened more quickly by the boiling water treatment, which allowed for effective water penetration and encouraged germination. Potassium nitrate, a known scarification agent, potentially contributed to quicker germination by promoting the breakdown of dormancy in the seeds and bettering their absorption of water. The seeds may have absorbed adequate moisture from the distilled water treatment, whereas they could have also induced natural scarification processes because of the heat stress administered through dry heat treatment. The failure of germination in seeds scarified with 50% concentration of sulphuric acid shows that the duration of treatment had an adverse effect on the viability of the seeds. Excessive sulphuric acid corrosion of the seed coat had a detrimental effect on the embryo hence no germination. The outcomes of the study indicate that treating tamarind seeds with boiling water is the scarification technique that is most effective best at stimulating germination. Potassium nitrate, distilled water, and dry heat also exhibited positive effects, albeit to a lesser extent. However, when handling sulfuric acid care should be considered due to it negative impact on seed viability if protocol is not followed. Further research is needed to optimize scarification protocols and investigate the fundamental processes regulating seed germination in tamarind.
DOI: 10.22271/27893065.2024.v4.i1b.80Pages: 86-89 | Views: 685 | Downloads: 337Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Ncomizulu Jewel Donga, Rusere Sithembiso, Mtaita Tuarira, Chakeredza Sebastian, Kurehwatira Munashe.
The effects of different scarification methods on the germination of tamarind (Tamarindus Indica). Int J Plant Pathol Microbiol 2024;4(1):86-89. DOI:
10.22271/27893065.2024.v4.i1b.80