Soaking Of Seeds Research Articles

High dilutions of Magonia pubescens hidrogel affect germination variables in Sorghum bicolor L. Moench

High dilutions of Magonia pubescens hidrogel affect germination variables in Sorghum bicolor L. Moench

Pre-Treatment Effect on Seed Germination of <i>Calopogonium mucunoide</i>s: A Promising Cover Crop for Land Restoration

Calopogonium mucunoides has been widely used as a pasture legume, cover crop and nitrogen fixing plant in tropical regions of the world. The present study investigated the effect of different pre-treatments on germination per cent (GP), mean germination time (MGT), germination value (GV), peak value (PV) and germination index (GI) of C. mucunoides. Experiment was conducted in Complete Randomized Design with four replications of 25 seeds for each treatment and control (25 seeds × 4 replicates × control/hot water/acid scarification/sand scarification/growth promoters = 52 experimental units). Seeds were subjected to different pretreatments viz., Hot water soaking at 40°C, 60°C, 80°C, 88°C; acid scarification using conc. H 2 SO 4 98% (1% (v/v), 3% (v/v), 5% (v/v); sand scarification, GA 3 treatment (500ppm and 1000ppm); KNO 3 treatment 0.1% (w/v), 1% (w/v), 3% (w/v). Results of germination parameters such as GP, MGT and GV were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Dunnett t (2-sided) statistical analysis and Post hoc Tukey HSD method was used for testing the significance between treatments. Results concluded that control seed produce the GP of 56% while sand scarification and hot water soaking of seeds enhanced the GP range from 80-97%.

Giberelin Utilization to Stimulate Melon Growth and Produce Using Hydroponic Wick System

Melon production has decrease due to decreasing agriculture land area. An effort to increases melon production can be done by cultivating melons using a hydroponic system. Gibberellins can be used to increase melon production in Bangka Belitung. This research aims to determine the effect and gibberellin doses that has increase melon growth and production which cultivated using hydroponic wick system. This research was conducted from January to April 2020 at the Research and Experimental Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries and Biology, Universitas Bangka Belitung. The experimental design used in this study was a single completely randomized design (CRD) with various gibberellin concentrations (0 ppm, 20 ppm, 40 ppm, 60 ppm, 80 ppm, 100 ppm). Gibberellin was applied by giving it at the soaking seeds period and by spraying it onto the leaves of the plants. The results of study showed that the application of gibberellin (GA3) had a significant effect on stem diameter, leaf area, fruit weight, fruit diameter, pulp thickness and total plant dissolved solids. The application of gibberellin with 100 ppm concentration is the best treatment to increasing growth and 80 ppm concentration is the best treatment to increasing yield of melon with wick hydroponic cultivation system.

Oxidative Stress, Ageing and Methods of Seed Invigoration: An Overview and Perspectives

The maintenance of seed quality during the long-term conservation of plant genetic resources is crucial for averting the projected food crises that are linked to the changing climate and rising world population. However, ageing-induced loss of seed vigour and viability during storage remains an inevitable process that compromises productivity in several orthodox-seeded crop species. Seed ageing under prolonged storage, which can occur even under optimal conditions, induces several modifications capable of causing loss of intrinsic physiological quality traits, including germination capacity and vigour, and stand establishment. The problems posed by seed ageing have motivated the development of various techniques for mitigating their detrimental effects. These invigoration techniques generally fall within one of two categories: (1) priming or pre-hydrating seeds in a solution for improved post-harvest performance, or (2) post-storage reinvigoration which often involves soaking seeds recovered from storage in a solution. Seed priming methods are generally divided into classical (hydropriming, osmopriming, redox priming, biostimulant priming, etc.) and advanced (nanopriming, magnetopriming and priming using other physical agents) techniques. With the increasing popularity of seed invigoration techniques to achieve the much-desired enhanced productivity and resilience in the face of a changing climate, there is an urgent need to explore these techniques effectively (in addition to other important practices such as plant breeding, fertilizer application, and the control of pests and diseases). This review aims to provide an overview of ageing in orthodox seeds and invigoration techniques that can enhance desirable agronomic and physiological characters.

Automation of Seed Priming Technology for Enhanced Seed Vigour of Blackgram Seeds

Background: Seed priming technique involves soaking of seeds in priming agent to a point where germination related metabolic activities occur in the seeds followed by drying of imbibed seeds to original moisture to prevent the radical protrusion and facilitate storage of primed seed. Draining of priming agent and drying of large quantity of primed seeds is a laborious and time consuming process. The current study was aimed to standardize automation of seed priming process by utilizing house-hold top loading washing machine. Methods: The top loading washing machine referred to as Seed Priming Cabinet, contained a priming drum with provision for draining water. On completion of the soaking period, the ‘SPIN’ button was pressed by setting the duration of spin drying (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 min.). Then the seeds were removed from the drum of priming cabinet and subjected to shade drying so as to reach the original moisture content and evaluated for seed quality parameters. Result: The blackgram seed subjected to conventional hydropriming was compared with automatic seed priming for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 min. and observed that hydropriming and spin drying for 3 min. was found to be optimum and the per cent increase in germination recorded over control was 18.0 per cent thus suggesting that automation of seed priming technology can be recommended for enhanced seed vigour and crop productivity of blackgram.

Field Emergence Affected by Zea Mays L. Cultivars and Seed Soaking in Acids of Ascorbic, Citric and Humic

A field experiment was carried out during the spring season 2019 and 2020 to obtain a fast, uniform, and high field emergence ratio of maize seeds under a wide range of environmental conditions. Randomize complete block design in the split-plot arrangement was used with three replications. The first factor in the main plots was cultivars (5018, Baghdad3 and Sumer). The second factor in the sub-plots was seeds soaking with ascorbic and citric acids (100 mg L−1) each and humic (1 ml L−1) in addition to control treatment (seeds soaking with distilled water only). Results showed the superiority of soaking with humic acid significantly, as means of characteristics of field emergence in both seasons, respectively, were as follows: Last day of field emergence (12.4 and 12.6 days), time spread of field emergence (4.4 and 4.6 days), emergence at first and final counts (62.4 and 34.4 %) and (95.8 and 88.0 %), daily emergence rate (8.0 and 7.3 % day−1), mean field emergence time (8.7 and 9.3 days), emergence index rate (11.1 and 9.7 % day−1), velocity coefficient of field emergence (11.4 and 10.8) and emergence index (407.6 and 333.3). Cultivars didn’t differentiate among themselves, with the effect of seeds soaking in most traits. It can be concluded that seeds soaking with humic acid improved characteristics of emergence and seedlings, so it can be recommended to soaking maize seeds with humic acid at the concentration (1 ml L−1) when planting them in the spring season.

Study of Seed Soaking and Foliar Application of Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid and Humic Acid on Growth, Yield and Active Components In Maize

Foliar application and seed soaking has been used as a means of supplying supplemental doses of nutrients, plant hormones, stimulants, and organic components. the effects of these applications have included yield increases, and improved drought tolerance, and enhanced crop quality, so A field experiment was carried out during spring seasons in 2019 and 2020 for styding Seed soaking and Foliar Application of Ascorbic acid, Citric acid and Humic acid on Growth, Yield and Active Components IN Maize. Randomized complete block design in split plots arrangement was used with three replicates. Main-plots were for seeds soaking with ascorbic, citric (100 mg l-1) frequently and humic at (1 ml l-1). Sub-plots were for vegetative parts nutrition with same acids above. Results showed a significant superiority of seeds soaking in humic acid for traits of ears number per plant (1.3 and 1.6), rows number per ear (16.6 and 17.5), grains number per row (39.3 and 45.3), grains number per ear (644.3 and 793.5), weight of 300 grains (75.3 and 100.6 g), total grain yield ( 6.0 and 8.3 ton ha-1), shelling ratio (79.3 and 85.1%), biological yield (20.7 and 26.8 ton ha-1), harvesting index (30.4 and 31.2%), in both seasons respectively. Effect of vegetative parts nutrition or interaction between studied factors was non-significant on most traits studied. It can be concluded that soaking maize seeds in humic acid improves yield and yield components.

Improving seed germination and seedling growth of true seed shallot (TSS) using plant growth regulator seed priming

Seeding is the most important and quite challenging stage in seed/TSS cultivation. Plant growth regulator (PGR) seed priming has the potential to enhance the quality of TSS seedlings. The research had been conducted in the greenhouse of Agriculture Faculty, UGM, from February to April 2020. The factorial treatments of shallot cultivars (Tuk-Tuk, Lokananta and Sanren) and seed treatments (soaking seed with GA3 100 ppm and NAA 50 ppm for 12 hours and untreated seeds as control) were assigned in the RCBD with four replications. Each experimental unit was consisted of 728 seeds per cultivar. Both treated and untreated seeds were sown in soil blocks. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and continued with Tukey HSD procedure at α=0.05. The results showed that PGR priming on seeds significantly increased the germination percentage, plant height, leaf number, leaf area, and hypothetical vigor index of the three cultivars at six weeks after sowing. However, there was no significant difference in the fresh weight and dry weight of seedlings. This research implied that soaking seeds in GA3 100 ppm and NAA 50 ppm for 12 hours could improve seed germination and TSS seedling growth. Additional fertilizers are perhaps needed in soil blocks to increase the effect of hormones on the seedlings.

Use of organic biostimulant for growing Siberian spruce seedlings

This study aims to assess the possibility of using a biostimulant Verva-spruce based on spruce’s natural phenolic compounds to reduce the time of growing planting material with improved features. The targets were seeds and 1-4-year-old seedlings of Siberian spruce, untreated and treated with the biostimulant. The effect of the biostimulant on seed germination, seedlings growth, and the pigment’s content in needles were studied. Results shown that soaking seeds in biostimulant at a concentration of 0.00025% increased the germination energy and accelerated hypocotyl growth. Moreover, using the biostimulant significantly increased the growth rate of experimental seedlings and heightened the amount of green pigment chlorophyll a up to 2.5 times. In 2020, in order to study the dynamics of the qualitative characteristics of the plants grown using biostimulant, experimental forest plantations of 4-year-old Siberian spruce seedlings were planted in the Altai-Sayan mountain taiga area. The experimental plantation will be monitored at least until the closure of the canopy.

Effect of Various Immersion Time and Water Temperature on Seed Germination of Clitoria ternatea and Momordica charantia

The seeds of Clitoria ternatea and Momordica charantia were subjected to seven pre-sowing treatments, i.e., control (T0), peeled coat and soaked in 5 oC for 24 hours (T1), peeled coat and soaked in 37 oC for 24 hours (T2), peeled coat and soaked in 5 oC for 48 hours (T3), peeled coat and soaked in 37 oC for 48 hours (T4), peeled coat and soaked in 5 oC for 48 hours (T5), peeled coat and soaked in 37 oC for 72 hours (T6). The study revealed that peeling the coat and soaking seeds in water for various temperatures and periods improved seed germination. The highest germination and germination energy percentage of C. ternatea were observed in T2, namely 94.95% and 23.69%, respectively, while the lowest germination (0%) and germination energy (0%) was found in T6. The highest germination and germination energy percentage of M. charantia, namely 64.38%, and 16.10%, respectively, were found in T3, while the lowest germination (10.67%) and germination energy (2.17%) were observed in T0. The germination may vary for both seeds used in the study as C. ternatea and M. charantia are different in type. The pre-sowing treatments of seeds would prove its potential in the practical fields.

Enantioselective Fungicidal Activity and Toxicity to Early Wheat Growth of the Chiral Pesticide Triticonazole.

In this study, the enantioselective activity of the chiral fungicide triticonazole (TRZ) against target pathogens of seed-borne diseases and the effect on the early phenotypic indexes and physiological and biochemical indexes of wheat following the soaking of seeds were studied. S-TRZ had low fungicidal activity and significantly inhibited the germination of wheat seeds. Seedlings in the S-TRZ treatment group suffered severe oxidative damage; the contents of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased. S-TRZ significantly inhibited the synthesis of gibberellin (GA) and ethylene (ETH), while it significantly increased that of jasmonic acid (JA). R-TRZ showed the highest activity against two smut fungi; the treatment of seeds with 5 g (ai)/100 kg R-TRZ had little influence on early wheat growth. The plant hormones were synthesized normally; seedlings grew well, and the fresh weight increased significantly following this treatment. Based on these data, we propose to develop and apply R-TRZ using the national recommended doses to control seed-borne diseases of wheat.

EFFECT OF MAIZE SEEDS SOAKING WITH ACIDS OF ASCORBIC, CITRIC AND HUMIC ON FIELD EMERGENCE

A field experiment was conducted during two spring seasons in 2019 and 2020 to achieve rapid, uniform, and high ratio of field emergence of maize seeds (cv. Baghdad3). Randomize complete block design was used with three replications. Seeds were soaked in acids of ascorbic and citric (100 mg l-1) and humic (1 ml l-1) for 18 hours, as well as control treatment (seeds soaking in distilled water only). The results showed the significant superiority of soaking treatment in humic acid, which gave averages of field emergence properties in both seasons as follows: last day of field emergence (12.6 and 12.9 days), difference between first and last day of field emergence (4.8 and 4.9 days), ratio of field emergence at first count (49.5 and 55.5%), ratio of field emergence at final count (93.2 and 93.2%), daily average of field emergence (7.8 and 7.8 days), average of field emergence time (9.0 and 8.8 days) and index of field emergence average (10.5 and 10.7 days). It can be concluded that seeds soaking in humic acid improved properties of emergence and seedlings; therefore it can be recommended to soak maize seeds in humic acid (1 ml l-1) for 18 hours when planting in the spring season.

Gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor mepiquat chloride enhances root K+ uptake in cotton by modulating plasma membrane H+-ATPase.

Potassium deficiency causes severe losses in yield and quality in crops. Mepiquat chloride, a plant growth regulator, can increase K+ uptake in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), but the underlying physiological mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we used a non-invasive micro-test technique to measure K+ and H+ fluxes in the root apex with or without inhibitors of K+ channels, K+ transporters, non-selective cation channels, and plasma membrane H+-ATPases. We found that soaking seeds in mepiquat chloride solution increased the K+ influx mediated by K+ channels and reduced the K+ efflux mediated by non-selective cation channels in cotton seedlings. Mepiquat chloride also increased negative membrane potential (Em) and the activity of plasma membrane H+-ATPases in roots, due to higher levels of gene expression and protein accumulation of plasma membrane H+-ATPases as well as phosphorylation of H+-ATPase 11 (GhAHA11). Thus, plasma membrane hyperpolarization mediated by H+-ATPases was able to stimulate the activity of K+ channels in roots treated with mepiquat chloride. In addition, reduced K+ efflux under mepiquat chloride treatment was associated with reduced accumulation of H2O2 in roots. Our results provide important insights into the mechanisms of mepiquat chloride-induced K+ uptake in cotton and hence have the potential to help in improving K nutrition for enhancing cotton production.

Growth and growth indices of durum wheat as influenced by seed soaking and foliar spray of stress mitigating bio-regulators under conserved soil moisture condition

In order to investigate the effect of seed soaking and foliar spray of stress- mitigation bio-regulators on growth and growth indices of durum wheat under conserved moisture condition of Bhal tract of Gujarat in rabi season cultivation 2017-18 & 2108-19. The experiment was done in randomized block design (factorial) with four replications, two factors & four levels, (A) Seed soaking (S0: No seed soaking, S1: Seed soaking with water, S2: Seed soaking with salicylic acid (100 ppm) & S3: Seed soaking with thiourea (500 ppm)), (B) Foliar spray (C0: No spray, C1: Water spray, C2: Salicylic acid spray (100 ppm) & C3: Thiourea spray (1000 ppm)). The foliar spray of stress- mitigation bio-regulators was done on tillering and ear emergence stages of crop. The impact of seed soaking & foliar spray with salicylic acid (100 ppm) was found significant over control in respect to plant height at 60 and 90 DAS and at harvest, dry matter accumulation at 60 and 90 DAS and at harvest, Crop growth rate (CGR) at 30-60 DAS, 60-90 DAS and 90 DAS to harvest, Relative growth rate (RGR) at 30-60 DAS, 60-90 DAS and 90 DAS to harvest, Leaf area index (LAI) at 90 DAS, Leaf area ratio (LAR) at 30-60 DAS and 60-90 DAS and in case of net assimilation rate (NAR) the significant data was found seed soaking with salicylic acid (100 ppm) at 30-60 DAS and 60-90 DAS. The study clearly indicated that seed soaking & foliar spray with salicylic acid (100 ppm) was performed better than over control.

THE EFFECT OF THREE PRETREATMENTS ON BREAKING SEED DORMANCY OF BAOBAB (ADANSONIA DIGITATA L.)

Objective: Baobab (Adansonia digitata) is a native tree that is found in African savannas, it is a member of family ‘Malvaceae’. The tree is found in Nigeria, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique and in different regions of western Madagascar. Seed dormancy is the most limiting factor for some plants propagation. Dormancy allows seeds to separate from their mother plant and survive dispersal, over distance, and time before growth recommences. This study was aimed to determine the effect of three pre-treatments on breaking the seed dormancy of Adansonia digitata L., a multi-purpose and indigenously endangered tree.
 Methods: The study was carried out in the greenhouse of the Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Nigeria. The three pre-treatments are: Soaking in hot water (100°C) for 5, 10, 15, and 20 min; and soaking in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrochloric acid (HCL) concentrations (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%) for 5, 10, 15, and 20 min. Untreated seeds served as control. These were laid out in a complete randomized design with three replications. Data were collected on germination percentage, germination rate, day of emergence, and the average seedlings height.
 Results: The result showed that earliest mean days of emergence (7 days) were observed in seeds subjected to hot water treatment at 15 min. It also showed the highest rate of germination and percentage 6 (100%). On the other hand, the effect of acids (H2SO4 and HCL) pre-treatments on the seeds gave a fair result (16.66–33.33%), untreated seeds did not germinate.
 Conclusion: All the pre-treatments used in the study were found to be effective. However, soaking of seeds in hot water (100°C) pre-treatment for 15 min is recommended for breaking the seed dormancy of A. digitata.

THE EFFICIENCY OF ORGANIC BIOSTIMULANTS FOR KOHLRABI SEEDS AND PLANTS TREATMENT

The research reveals a versatile positive effect of organic bio stimulants Regoplant, Stimpo, and Emochka on kohlrabi cabbage plants. Soaking the seeds for 12 hours and foliar dressing of plants during vegetation with solutions of growth regulators contributed not only to increase the total yield of stems but also to enhancing growth indices of kohlrabi plants and at the same time ensuring better resistance to adverse growing conditions. The highest yield was obtained for the soaking seeds for 12 hours and 2 foliar dressings. Thus, in kohlrabi varieties ‘Delikatesna Bila’ and ‘Violeta’, the highest yield of stems (23.9?25.2 t/ha) was obtained under the influence of growth regulators Regoplant and Stimpo. In the experiment, a high yield of commodity stems was obtained in variety ‘Delikatesna Bila’ (86?93%) and in variety ‘Violeta’ (86?91%), which was on average higher by 8.0 and 5.6% than in the control treatment. The use of biostimulants ensured the yield of soluble dry matter higher by 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.8%in‘Delikatesna Bila’ and by 0.8%, 1.0%, 0.3% in ‘Violeta’, respectively, compared to the control treatment

The Efficiency of Pre-Sowing Seed Treatment with Trace Element Solutions

This article analyzes the results of four-year research which examined the effectiveness of pre-sowing treatment (soaking, spraying) of white cabbage seeds with trace element solutions of various concentrations. The research was conducted under laboratory conditions at the Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science Department of Omsk State Agrarian University with a mid-season-ripening, medium-yielding and high-yielding variety of white cabbage (Sibiryachka 60) found in the Omsk region. 0.02%, 0.04% and 0.05% solutions of ZnSO4 ⋅ 7H2O and 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03% and 0.05% solutions of H3BO3 were used in the experiment. The cabbage seeds were soaked in water (control) and in trace element solutions for 6-12-24 hours. The germination energy and germination capacity of the seeds, the zinc distribution, and the biometric indicators of the seedlings and of the cabbage transplant seedlings were determined. The optimal concentrations of the trace element solutions and the optimal duration of pre-sowing treatment were established, which stimulated the development of seedlings and increased seed germination by 5-9%. It was noted that, compared with the control, 2 times more plants reached the 6-leaf phase by the time of planting when transplant seedlings were treated with a boric acid solution in the optimal concentration, and 3.6 times more plants did when fertilized with zinc. Based on the results the following is recommended for implementation in production: soaking seeds in a 0.03% solution of Н3ВО3; soaking seeds in a 0.04% solution of ZnSO4; soaking time - 6 hours; a 1:2 ratio of seeds to the solution; and concentration of solutions per element for boron – 0.005% and zinc – 0.01%.
 Keywords: white cabbage, seeds, micro-fertilizers, pre-sowing treatment

English

The potted experiment was conducted in the early planting season of 2018, at the Teaching and Research Farm of Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria to ascertain the effects of seed priming using water, coconut water and moringa leaf extract on the seedling emergence and growth of bitter kola. Completely Randomized Design was used with four treatments and three replicates. The treatments were thus; soaking of bitter kola seeds in water for 36 h, soaking of bitter kola seeds in coconut water mixed with ordinary water for 36 h, soaking of bitter kola seeds in moringa leaf extract for 36 h and non-soaked seeds (control). Bitter kola seeds were purchased from a farmer that has a bitter kola tree in his compound at Owerri, Imo State. Data were collected on number of seedlings emergence, percentage emergence, plant height, number of leaves per plant, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, leaf dry weight and total dry weight. The result revealed that priming treatments had significant effect (P≤0.05) on number of seedlings that emerged when compared with the non-primed seeds. The least seedling emergence (0) was recorded from non-soaked seeds. Seeds soaked in water for 36 h gave the highest seedlings emergence of 10.67. Priming had effect on plant height and number of leaves. Priming also significantly affected total dry weight, shoot dry weight, leaf dry weight and root dry weight compared to the control which had no seedling that emerged. The values obtained from primed seeds were statistically similar (P≤0.05), although water treatment gave the best result. Therefore, priming of bitter kola before planting is very necessary to enhance seedling emergence and growth. Key words: Bitter kola, priming, seedling emergence and growth, nigeria, west Africa

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИ АКТИВНЫХ ПРЕПАРАТОВ НА ПОСЕВАХ СОИ В УСЛОВИЯХ НЕЧЕРНОЗЕМНОЙ ЗОНЫ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ

Ecologically sustainable and economically feasible crop cultivation technologies, including application of biologically active substances, are required for formation of a consistently high and excellent soybean yield. These substances, when used in minimal doses for pre-sowing treatment of seeds and vegetative plants, provide high field germination and plant resistance to unfavorable environmental factors, promote an increase in productivity by ensuring accelerated germination of seeds, their increased germination capacity and resistance to unfavorable agro-climatic conditions of the growing season. The aim of the research was to determine the degree of influence of various combinations of biological products and treatment methods on growth processes and productivity of soybean of the northern ecotype. The influence of various types of pre-sowing seed treatment on germination energy, germination capacity and morphometric parameters of soybean shoots was studied. The biological product “Floravit” was used in the experiments in combination with rhizotorphin, seeds were treated before sowing; the germination energy, laboratory and field germination capacity were found. Also, additional treatment of vegetating plants was carried out with the biological product “Floravit”. Observations of the symbiotic activity of plants were carried out, the productivity of plants was recorded at the end of the growing season. It was found that soaking of soybean seeds in water solution of “Floravit” (concentration - 1.4 · 10-4 g / ml; consumption - 1 l / kg) with subsequent treatment with rhizorphin (consumption - 3–5 g / kg) has a growth-stimulating effect at the initial stages of plant development, promotes fast and friendly shoots. Afterwards, the plants form a more powerful symbiotic apparatus and higher productivity. The obtained results - an increase in germination energy, laboratory and field germination capacity, symbiotic activity of plants and parametres of crop yield structure indicate a fairly high efficiency of “Floravit” application.

Effect of Soaking Treatment on Germination of Hard Coated Tropical Forest Tree Seeds

Seed germination and seedling growth performance of Maesopsis eminii and Terminalia catappa under different water soaking treatments were evaluated for 120 days under nursery conditions. A total of 1400 seeds were pre-treated with hot (95oC) and cold water (ambient temperature) by soaking for 12, 24 and 48 hours with a control of no soaking. The seeds were sown directly into polythene pots filled with uniform growth medium (top forest soil, sand and clay soilmixed in a ratio of 5:3:2) to avoid disturbance of the root system after germination. The seeds were sown in a randomized block design with seven treatments and three replicates. Data were analysed using ANOVA in GenStat v18. Results indicated that soaking enhanced seed germination. Soaking of seeds in cold water for 12 hours resulted into higher germination (90% for Terminalia catappa and 85% for Maesopsis eminii) than the control (48%). Soaking period and water temperature significantly influenced seedling vigour (F value = 0.962; p = 0.038). Soaking seeds in cold water for 24 hours enhanced Maesopsis eminii seedling growth by 8.0 cm Terminalia catappa seedlings by 7.4 cm. Seed dormancy, germination percentage and growth performance in hard coated seeds such as Maesopsis eminii and Terminalia catappa can be broken by soaking in cold water for 12-24 hours. Pre-germination treatments significantly influences the germination and seedling growth.
 Keywords: Maesopsis eminii, Terminalia catappa, seeds, pre-germination, soaking.