The effect of chemical and heat treatments on germination of Commelina benghalensis L. aerial seeds

Summary: The effects of concentrated sulphuric acid, dry heat, hot water and NaOCl treatments on the germinability of dormant large and small aerial Commelina benghalensis L. seeds were evaluated. Concentrated sulphuric acid and NaOCl treatments were more effective than the dry heat and hot water treatments in breaking the dormancy of C. benghalensis aerial seeds. Treatments increased germination of both seed types due to its effect on the seed coat integrity. A scanning electron microscope revealed that changes as a result of scarification occurred in the hilum region of the seed and in the seed coat surface. The large aerial seeds were affected by all treatments more than the small aerial seeds. Difference in germinability between the two seed types was related to the difference in their seed vigour.