Effect of Fresh Cow Milk and Coconut Milk on the Germination of Tamarindus indica Seeds

• D. O. Adelani

  Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, P.M.B 2273 Afaka, Kaduna

  Author

• M. I. Bello

  Shelter Belt Research Station, P.M.B 3239, Katsina Road

  Author

To meet the current demand for the forest products through domestication, there is need to embrace cheap, fast, natural, accessible and adoptable physiological techniques as soaking of seeds in fresh cow milk and coconut milk. Fresh cow milk and coconut milk contain hormones that relieve seeds of photo, thermo, physiological and mechanical dormancy. There is dearth of information on the effects of natural sources of hormones such as fresh cow milk and coconut milk on the seeds of agro-forestry tree species. In light of this, this study was conducted to assess the effects of fresh cow milk and coconut milk on the germination percentage and mean germination time of Tamarindus indica seeds. The study involved two experiments, which were laid in split-plot experimental design with four replicates to assess the effect of concentrations of fresh cow milk (25, 50, 75 and 100%) and treatment times (0, 6, 8, 12 and 14hours) and concentrations of coconut milk (25, 50, 75 and 100%) and treatment times (0, 6, 8, 12 and 14hours) on the germination of seeds. Result revealed that the percentage germination value of seeds soaked in all concentrations of fresh cow milk for all time of treatments ranged from 70% to 100%. The percentage germination ranged from 65% to 100% for all concentrations and treatment times for seeds soaked in coconut milk. A significant germination percentage value of 100% was recorded for seeds treated for 14 hours in 50% and 100% concentrations of coconut milk and fresh cow milk respectively compared to control. Soaking of T. indica seeds for 14hours in 50% of coconut milk and 100% of fresh cow milk are recommended for mass production of its seedlings for agro-forestry programmes.

1. D. O. Adelani, Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, P.M.B 2273 Afaka, Kaduna

   Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, P.M.B 2273 Afaka, Kaduna

2. M. I. Bello, Shelter Belt Research Station, P.M.B 3239, Katsina Road

   Shelter Belt Research Station, P.M.B 3239, Katsina Road

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