Effect of Some Natural Dormancy Overcoming Treatments on the Germination and Early Vigorous Growth of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranean L. Verdc)

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the effect of some natural dormancy overcoming treatments on the germination and early vigorous growth of three varieties of Bambara nut. Study Design: Randomized block design. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Science and biotechnology University of Jos and Nursery of the Federal College of Forestry Jos, between August 2019 and February 2020. Methodology: Three varieties of Bambara nut seeds were subjected to the following treatments; mechanical scarification, soaking in fresh cow milk, soaking in coconut milk, scarification plus fresh cow milk, scarification plus coconut milk and no treatment (control). These combinations were replicated three times and soaked for three different durations (24, 27 and 30 hours). The seeds treated in the above combinations were planted in designated nursery bags. Results: The differences in the mean number of days after planting for germination to occur were not statistically significant for any of the varieties and preceding treatments including the control, for all the durations. The means number of shoots per plant were also not significantly different for the three durations with their respective varieties and treatments. Furthermore, the differences in the mean number of leaves at seven weeks after planting were not significantly different within all varieties and treatments, when compared to the control group for all three durations. Conclusion: It is concluded in this study that; no significant benefit will be derived in pretreating Bambara nut seeds with mechanical scarification, fresh cow milk, or coconut milk treatment before sowing.