Pre-Treatment Techniques for Enhancing Seed Germination Behavior and Early Growth of Bitaog (Calophllum inophylum L.)

Abstract

The study determined the effects of different seed soaking techniques on the germination and growth of bitaog. The treatments used were the following: C-control, TI-use oftap water, T2- use ofmolluscan shell, and T3- use of NaCl. Statistical design of the experiment was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The seed coat of bitaog was removed before soaking the seed for sixteen hours. It was observed that germination was improved when seeds were subjected to the different treatments. The percentage germination increased when treated with NaCl and molluscan shell. Early growth ofbitaog plant was improved when treated with NaCl. Root length significantly improved with the technique used. With the results of the study, it is recommended that when hastening germination of bitaog seeds, the shell must be removed and soaked solution of sodium chloride and molluscan shell can be used as an alternative to tap water. To help sustain the environment, use of waste materials such as pulverized molluscan shell can be an effective soaking solution. The technique is recommended for study in other tree species or agricultural crops.