EFFECT OF SOWING DEPTH ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF GUM ARABIC (ACACIA SPECIES)

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the effect of sowing depth on the germination and growth of (Acacia species). The materials for the experiment consisted of top soil, river sand, cow dung and polythene bags. Polythene bags measuring 7.5 cm x 20 cm were filled with potting mixture consisting of top soil, river sand and cow dung in a ratio 2:2:1. The filled polythene bags were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with each treatment having 25 polythene replicated four times. Two seeds were sown per pot at a depth of 1cm, 2cm, 3cm and 4cm, respectively, and were later thinned to one seeding per pot. It was observed that seed germination was faster with 1cm and 2cm sewing depth followed by 3cm while 4cm depth delayed seed germination. At 1 month after sowing (1MAS), seeds of (Acacia species) were statistically unaffected regardless of sowing depths. However, at 2, 3 and 4 months after sowing, seedling of (Acacia Seyal) significantly gave superior seedling height compared to (Senegalia Senegal). At 1, 2 and 3 MAS, Acacia species though statistically similar significantly increased seedling height and number of primary branches compared to 4cm sowing depth. Shallow sowing depths of 1 and 2cm of (Acacia species) seeds favored seed emergence and seedlings growth characters.