DIFFERENT SCARIFICATION

Afforestation is habitually used as a resolution to prevent the detrimental effects of deforestation. As a result majority of plants, particularly trees must be subjected to germination and cultivation in nurseries before being transplanted in deforested areas. Scarification is a process that involves weakening or altering the seed coat to break dormancy and enhance germination of seedling growth and development. A study was carried out to investigate the effects of different scarification treatments on the germination of “Pseudospondias microcarpa and Funtumia africana seeds”. Different scarification methods, encompassing hot water, chemical, and dry heat treatment were administered to the seed, with untreated seeds serving as the control reference group. Key germination parameters, namely germination percentage, germination time, and seedling vigor, were documented and subsequently subjected to comparative analysis. Surprisingly, the outcome did not exhibit a significant effect of scarification on the germination of either species. The germination percentage, germination time, and seedling vigor demonstrated similarities between the scarified seeds and the control group. Though the hot water treated for 30 seconds of Funtumia africana grew but it took a long time to germinate and the control group grew but died. The absence of response to scarification treatment implies that the induction of seed dormancy breakage or the enhancement of germination might not require scarification within these plant species. Possible interpretations for these inconclusive findings include the natural permeability of the seed coats of Pseudospondias microcarpa and Funtumia africana which may facilitate the entry of water and gases, without the need of scarification. Moreover, alternative physiological or environmental factors on the seed germination process within these species could overshadow the effects of scarification. This research produced uncertain outcomes concerning the impact of scarification on the germination process of Pseudospondias microcarpa and Funtumia africana seeds. It is possible that scarification might not be essential for stimulating germination in these particular species