Effect of orientation of seed placement in soil on seedling emergence in two Bauhinia species Bauhinia vahlii Wight et. Arn. and Bauhinia racemosa Lam.

Abstract

Seedling emergence of two Bauhinia species viz. Bauhinia vahlii Wight et. Am. and Bauhinia racemosa Lam. was influenced by seed orientation in the nursery level. Earliest and highest seedling emergence for both the species was recorded when seeds were sown in an upright position (radicle end up). Emergence was poorer in case of B. vahlii seeds when sown in flat position and was lowest when seeds were sown in a horizontal position (keeping the radicle end at 9(1 in respect to soil surface). While in case of B. racemosa emergence was poorest for seeds when sown in an inverted and horizontal position and was lowest when seeds were sown in the flat position. Seedling survival, mean germination time, germination index, shoot and root growth also followed the same trend.