Studies on the seed germination and subsequent seedling growth of guava (Psidium guajava L.)

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of pre-sowing treatments and environments on seed germination and seedling growth of guava (Psidium guajava L.). The study revealed that pre-soaking of guava seeds in hydrochloric acid (10%) for 2 minutes resulted in maximum seed germination percentage (54.16%). Scraping of seed coat with sand paper + soaking seeds in GA₃ 50 ppm for 24 hours has enhanced the seedling height (14.02 cm), stem girth (0.26 cm), number of leaves per seedling (15.24) and leaf area (3.38 cm²) while highest root length (6.56 cm) of seedlings were found in scraping of seed coat with sand paper + soaking seeds in GA₃ 100 ppm for 24 hours. All the germination and growth parameters were found to be the best in protected environment (viz., polyhouse) as compared to open field condition. Sowing of seeds without pre-sowing treatments showed poor results for all parameters.