The germination rate of three indigenous Acacia species

Abstract

This report deals with the germination trial, using a semi-randomised plot design with three Acacia species, damaged versus undamaged testa and four different moisture regimes (from frequent to infrequent watering), with ten replications per treatment in unimproved cultivated soil. Three species used were Acacia erioloba, Acacia mellifera end Acacia karroo. For each species, a number of eighty seeds were used and half of the seeds were scarified. Seeds were planted directly into the soil and watering were done with a 9.5 litre watering can. Following records were taken during the trial: germination percentage and speed, seedling survival and growth rate, root penetration. From the results one can say that watering once a week is too little for any germination. A higher germination rate in undamaged Acacia mellifera seeds were found than in Acacia erioloba and Acacia karroo. Acacia erioloba got better germination with scarification than the other two, More seedling survival with frequent watering and/or excessive moisture. Acacia mellifera has a higher germination speed. In both Acacia mellifera and Acacia erioloba growth rate per plant per day were higher after germination, but slow down as the seedlings get older. Only 20 germination is obtained from the Acacia karroo seeds, in the plot with a very low moisture regime and damaged testa. However, there is no evidence to suggest that Acacia karroo will only germinate with a very low moisture regime and damaged testa. The trial were terminated at 45 days after the first seedlings emerged