Enhancing seed germination of Acacia tortilis by breaking dormancy using different treatments

Abstract

Acacia tortilis (subsp. raddiana) Trees are very important in Qatar. The trees play an important role as a source for animals feed and for environmental enhancement by combating desertification and firewood. This study was carried out in the Genetic Resources Department, Biotechnology Center, Ministry of Environment, Qatar and Egyptian Deserts Gene Bank, Egypt. The aim of the study was to enhance the response of Acacia tortilis subspecies tortilis seeds when exposed to some chemical and physical treatments, such as mechanical scarification, chemical scarification, GA3 (Gibberellic acid), dry heat treatment, Potassium nitrate (KNO3) in solutions of water, sulphuric acid (H2SO4), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), tap water and boiling water--all intended to increase germination percentage. The obtained results revealed significant differences in the germination percentage of Acacia tortilis seeds exposed to different dormancy treatments. The highest germination percentage was 76 % achieved with boiling water treatment. Treating seeds with 98% concentrated sulphuric acid for periods of 10, 20, 25 and 30 minutes enhanced germination percentage by 33%, 67%, 70%, 75%, respectively. The lowest germination percentage was seen in untreated seeds, 25%.