The Acceleration of Germination of <I>Cassia fistula</I>: Fungi Associated with Rotting Seeds and Abnormal Seedlings

Abstract

The dormancy in Cassia fistula was due to hard coat of the seeds. The dormancy could easily be broken when freshly collected dry seeds were treated with conc. H₂SO₄ for 5 to 11 min. Which increased the germination from 4% (of check) to more than 67%. The percentage of abnormal seedling was very high when seeds pre-soaked with water for 24 hrs were treated with H₂SO₄. Rhizopus nigricans was the most common fungus associated with rotting seeds and abnormal seedlings. Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and Penicillium sp. Were also recorded from rotting seeds. On inoculation R. nigricans increased seed-rotting and seed abnormalities appreciably. The pathogen also caused collar rot and inhibition of roots. The partial or complete withering of the infected cotyledonary leaves was also observed.