Enhancement of Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Korarima (<i>Aframomum corrorima</i>) at Humid Tropical Climatic Conditions

Abstract

Korarima (Aframomum corrorim) (is an indigenous spice and cash crop in Ethiopia. Korarima seed has less peppery pungent taste, and milder, sweeter flavor. Potentially it grows under the natural forests in the south and southwestern parts of the country where coffee potentially grow. But the crop shows delayed seed germination and poor field emergency at growing area. So obtaining fast seed germination and intact seedling is the main concern for farmers. The objective of this trial was to assess the potential of seed treatment chemicals on seed germination and seedling development of korarima. The trial was organized in completely randomized design with three replications. Analysis of Variance was done using statistical analysis software. Treatment means were separated using LSD at 0.05 probability level of significance. The results of the trial was designated that korarima seed germination and seedling development were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) enhanced by pre sowing seed treatment. The supreme seed germination value (83.25%) was shown by korarima seeds soaked with 80% alcohol for 30 min, whereas the lowest seed germination (47.53%) was seen from seeds soaked with 10% H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> for 5 min. Based on these result, it can conclude pre-sowing seed treatment of Korarima enhanced seed germination and intact seedling development of korarima.