Effect of Scarification Treatments on Germination and Early Seedling Growth of (<em>Bauhinia</em> <em>variegata</em> L.)

ALBAYATI, Mohammed

doi:10.58928/ku26.17204

	Effect of Scarification Treatments on Germination and Early Seedling Growth of (Bauhinia variegata L.)
Kirkuk University Journal for Agricultural Sciences (KUJAS)
Volume 17, Issue 2, June 2026, Pages 32-38 PDF (553.46 K)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.58928/ku26.17204
Author
Mohammed ALBAYATI^*
Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture, University of Kirkuk, Kirkuk, IRAQ.
Abstract
This study was conducted in the wooded shade of the Faculty of Agriculture/Department of Forestry Sciences in the second week of March 2025 with the aim of determining the best method for treating the dormancy of Seed caused by seed coat impermeability represents a major constraint in the propagation of Bauhinia variegata L. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different dormancy-breaking treatments on germination and early seedling growth. The experiment was conducted in March 2025 at the Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Forestry Sciences. Seeds were subjected to three scarification treatments (hot water, sulfuric acid, and mechanical scarification) in addition to an untreated control under a completely randomized design. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among treatments in germination percentage, mean germination time, and seedling vigor traits. Sulfuric acid scarification (15 min) produced the highest germination rate and the shortest germination time, as well as superior seedling growth indicators, including stem length, root length, and dry biomass. Mechanical scarification ranked second in effectiveness and represents a practical alternative for nursery conditions where chemical treatments may be limited. Hot water treatment showed moderate improvement compared with the control. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among treatments in germination percentage, mean germination time, and seedling vigor traits. Sulfuric acid scarification (15 min) produced the highest germination rate and the shortest germination time, as well as superior seedling growth indicators, including stem length, root length, and dry biomass. Mechanical scarification ranked second in effectiveness and represents a practical alternative for nursery conditions where chemical treatments may be limited. Hot water treatment showed moderate improvement compared with the control.
Keywords
seed dormancy; germination; scarification; sulfuric acid; Bauhinia variegata

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Effect of Scarification Treatments on Germination and Early Seedling Growth of (Bauhinia variegata L.)