Facilitate Seed Germination of the Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula) in vitro Using TiO2 Nanoparticles and Scarification Treatments

Abstract

The main propagation method of Cassia fistula is sowing seeds. The seed germination is usually low because of its impermeable hard coat. Therefore, this experiment evaluated the effects of TiO 2 nanoparticles and scarification methods on seed germination and seedling growth in vitro condition. The tree seeds were treated with, hot water, H 2 SO 4 (36N), and mechanical scarification and culture on ¼ MS salt mixture. The medium was supplemented with different concentrations of TiO 2 nanoparticles. The results showed that the highest percentage and rate of germination was recorded in seeds treated with mechanical scarification. The highest shoot and root dry weight was recorded for seeds treated with mechanical scarification and grown on MS media supplemented with 1.5 mg/ml TiO 2 nanoparticles. TiO 2 nanoparticles did not show any significant effects on the percentage and rate of germination. Different growing soil mixtures had significant effects on the growth of the ex vitro transferred plantlets. Coco peat and peat moss mixture (1:1) was found to be more effective in increasing the number of leaves and root length of the seedlings.