Author(s):

Shobharani M and S Sundareswaran

Abstract: One of the primary issues associated with propagation of Shankhapushpi (Clitoria ternatea) seeds is an occurrence of physical dormancy (hard seed coat) which hamper the water imbibition and germination process. An experiment was designed with the aim to break the dormancy of seeds and to improve the germination. Various physical and chemical dormancy breaking treatments was adapted viz., water soaking for 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours, hot water treatment in 60 and 80 °C for 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 minutes each, acid scarification with concentrated H₂SO₄ @ 100 and 200 ml/kg of seeds for 5 and 10minuteseach along with control which was untreated. The results of the experiment revealed that all the physical and acid scarification treatments had influence on the dormancy and seed germination of Shankhapushpi. However, treating with conc. H₂SO₄@ 200ml/kg for the duration of 5 minutes recorded the highest germination (91 %), speed of germination (5.0) root length (19.5 cm), shoot length (12.0 cm) and vigour index (2879) as compared to other treatments and untreated control which recorded the lowest germination (65 %), speed of germination (3.0), root length (12.6 cm), shoot length (10.6 cm) and vigour index (1447).

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