Enhancement of Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of <I>Aesculus indica</I> by Stratification

Abstract

Seeds of Aesculus indica shown immediately after collection in the month of October-November resulted in poor germination. In natural conditions, seeds took about 4-5 months to germinate. Stratification of seeds for 15 or 30 days resulted in enhanced germination percentage as well as shorter mean time to germination (M.T.G.). In the laboratory,the seedlings grown in pure sand medium showed hyper-elongation due to etiolation but survived transplanting in polypots, following hardening in a shaded place for a couple of days. There was no significant effect of stratification on seedlings growth. A. indica seeds required a brief period of chilling and subsequent higher temperature during incubation for accelerating the germination and seedling growth.