EFFECT OF SEED TREATMENTS ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH BEHAVIOUR IN DATE PALM (PHOENIX SPECIES) UNDER HOT ARID CONDITIONS

Abstract

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)is an important fruit tree of semi arid and arid regions of the country. Date is a high calorific energy fruit eaten fresh as well as in processed form into soft dates (pind Khajoor), dry dates (Chuhara), beverages, wine, etc. It is propagated through seeds as well as suckers/offshoots. The germination of seed is difficult and takes long period because of hard stone. The effect of pre-treatments of seeding Phoenix species on germination, seedling growth and biomass production was studied under nursery conditions. The seed soaking treatments enhanced germination percent of seed in both the Phoenix species. The seedling growth was enhanced by pre-treatments of seeds with cow dung for 24 hours. Further pre-treatments of seeds reduced the period of germination in Phoenix species. The results indicate that Phoenix dactylifera seeds germinated one week earlier than those of P sylvestris (Desi Khajur) under arid conditions. The germination percent of seeds and growth of plants were also better in pre-treated seed of both the species in comparison to untreated seeds.