Germination and initial seedling growth performance of Vitex peduncularis Wall. ex Schauer – A threatened native tree species of Bangladesh

Abstract

Vitex peduncularis Wall. ex Schauer, locally known as Goda, is a threatened native tree species of Bangladesh. In addition to providing many other services this produces, timber of high density, which is traditionally, used for different construction activities. Though seed production is regular but natural germination of seeds is not satisfactory due to the hard seed coat. Effect of pre-sowing methods was studied to find out the best pre-sowing method for higher rate of V. peduncularis seeds germination. Randomly selected quality seeds were sown in propagator house with Sylhet sand media, in conventional polybags with 3:1 soil and cow-dung media, and in nursery beds with soil media only. Significantly (P<0.05) highest seed germination (46%) was observed in propagator house. The germination energy (7.9%), plant percent (31.5%) and germination value (147.2) were highest in the seedlings raised in polybags. These seedlings also exhibited better growth in the initial stage at nursery. The records of initial growth of the seedlings indicated highest shoot length (38 cm), root length (34.3 cm), node number (15) and leaf area (18.9 cm × 4.7 cm) for seedlings grown in polybags. Seedlings grown in polybags were more vigor and thrive better than the seedlings germinated in propagator house and nursery bed. This paper will be a supportive material for more advanced studies on seed germination and for establishing plantation with rare but valuable species by raising commercial nurseries.