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ABSTRACT
Scarification is often recommended to enhance seed germination for various plant species, especially those with hard seed coats. Scarification methods such as mechanical scarification, chemical scarification and heat scarification are employed to improve seed coat permeability and promote successful germination. In this study, two plant species: Discoglypremna caloneura and Leucaena leucocephala were examined for their germination response to different scarification treatments, including hot water (boiling) scarification, acid scarification and dry heat scarification. The aim was to determine the effectiveness of these scarification methods in breaking seed dormancy and facilitating seedling dormancy in these species. The study employed a randomized complete block design with three treatments: dry heat scarification, acid scarification, hot water scarification, and a control group with no pre-treatment. The scarification methods aimed to weaken the seed coat, thereby promoting water imbibition and germination. Germination parameters such as germination percentage, germination rate, number of leaves and plant height were assessed. Among the treatments, acid scarification exhibited the highest germination percentage and fastest mean germination time, indicating its efficacy in enhancing seed germination. While scarification by baking also demonstrated positive results, its impact was more moderate than the baking treatment. On the other hand, hot water scarification (boiling) showed unpromising results, suggesting its low potential as a cost-effective and easy-to-implement pretreatment method. Incorporating optimized scarification x methods into germination protocols can enhance seedling establishment and support sustainable management efforts for D. caloneura and L. leucocephala populations.
