Germinative Behavior of Zornia glochidiata Reichb. ex DC. Seeds, a Leguminous Fodder Crop, and Trials to Suppress Integumentary Inhibition

Abstract

Conditions for regeneration of seeds of Zornia glochidiata Reichb ex DC., a local fodder crop much appreciated by cattle and with a high fodder value, were studied in the laboratory. The seeds were collected in the sylvopastoral zone of Senegal. Three types of pretreatments (mechanical, chemical and thermal) were used to improve seed germination. Mechanical and chemical pretreatments significantly increased seed germination with rates of 86 et 96%, respectively, compared to 25% obtained in untreated seeds. The best germination rate was obtained with seeds treated at 25°C. Heat variations ranging from low to medium (50, 60 and 80°C over 24 h) did not alter the seed potential for germination, but the recorded germination rates were similar to that of control (25%). Variations at high temperatures (100, 125 and 150°C over periods of 5, 10 and 15 min) totally inhibited seed germination.