Dormancy Breaking Treatments to Improve Seed Germination in Delonix regia Ref.

Abstract

Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Ref. of family
Leguminosaecommonly known as flame tree orgulmohar
is a popular ornamental medium-sized tree planted in
avenues and gardens. The tree is usually grown from
seed during rainy season and can also be raised from
cuttings. The seed germination is generally poor. The
major reasons of poor germination include empty seeds,
agro-ecological conditions, time of seed collection and
age of mother tree, etc. Further, high degree of dormancy
exhibited by seeds is aproblem for undertaking plantation
work in this species. The primary reason for dormancy
is the presence of hard seed coat which makes the seed
impermeable to water and hinders the exchange of