Seed Scarification Improves Viability and Vigour of Mucuna bracteata Seedlings

Abstract

Generative propagation of Mucuna bracteata is hindered by its thick seed coat, which causes seed dormancy. This study aimed at evaluating viability and vigor of M. bracteata due to pre-treatments. A completely randomized design was used to test four pre-treatments: no treatment (Kon), soaking in warm water (50°C) for 2 hours (AHA), soaking in plain water for 24 hours (ABI), and scarification on cotyledon side (DLU). Variables measured were germination percentage, maximum growth potential (MGP), germination rate, vigor index (VI), uniformity of germination (UG), and growth speed (GS). Germination percentage and MGP data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while germination rate, VI, UG, and GS data were analyzed using analysis of variance. The results showed that pre-treatment of M. bracteata seeds increased germination percentage, reaching 98.66% on day 3, and MGP reached 98.0%. Likewise, there was a highly significant increase (p<0.001) in germination rate (7–11 days), VI (15.99–91.99%), UG (18.66–97.33%), and GS (14.33–25.83%/day). The highest scores for all variables were found in DLU treatment. It is concluded that soaking seeds in warm water, plain water, or scarifying the seed coat improves viability and vigor of M. bracteata seeds, with DLU being the best technique. Keywords: dormancy, Mucuna bracteata, seed viability, seedling vigor