Treatments to promote seed germination in Australian acacias.

Abstract

Seeds of 16 acacia species were subjected to 9 presowing treatments: manual nicking of the seed coat, acid scarification, and immersion in hot or boiling water for various lengths of time. Examination 27 days after treatment showed that for most species the best or near best germination % and rate were achieved with manual nicking. This method is recommended for treatment of seed for germination tests and when propagating small and valuable research lots. Immersion in boiling water for 1 min is recommended as a standard treatment appropriate for many hard-coated acacia seedlots. Immersion in 90°C water for 1 min is recommended for hard-coated seedlots suspected of being sensitive to boiling water treatment.