Comparative study of dormancy breaking efficiency in Terminalia mantaly seeds using microorganisms and conventional pre-treatment methods

This study was carried out to comparatively look at the most efficient methods of dormancy breaking in Terminalia mantaly using microorganisms (Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Candida sp., and Aspergillus spp.), chilling, heating, 1% HCl, scarification, and Dil.H2SO4.Analysis of seed germination percentages (PGS) over 5-31 days revealed that T. mantaly seeds treated with 1% HCl exhibited the highest PGS (86.66%), followed by L. theobromae (66.66%),Candida sp.(60%), and untreated controls (46.66%).The treatment using Aspergillus spp.resulted in moderate PGS (40%), while scarification yielded the lowest PGS (13.33%).Notably, chilling, heat, and diluted sulfuric acid treatments did not achieve any seed germination within the 31-day period.T. mantaly seeds subjected to treatments with L. theobromae, Candida sp., and Aspergillus spp.demonstrated precocious germination (5-7 days after treatment).L. theobromae treatment exhibited the highest speed germination index (SGI) (2.91), followed by 1% HCl (2.62), and Candida sp.However, chilling, heating, and diluted sulfuric acid treatments recorded no germination and, consequently, no SGI.These results suggest that T. mantaly seeds treated with the microbial isolates and 1% HCl demonstrated enhanced dormancy breaking and germination, as reflected by higher PGS and SGI.This research contributes to our understanding of T. mantaly germination biology by highlighting the potential of microorganisms and hydrochloric acid in overcoming seed coat dormancy, particularly in species with hardened seeds.This opens new avenues for exploring their use in promoting successful germination and enhancing plant establishment.