Initial percentage of dormant seeds in Cassia italica was around 86. It was observed that in this species is mainly due to impermeability of seed coat to water. Treatment of the seed coat with concentrated sulphuric acid for 20 minutes resulted in maximum germination (avg. 81%). Mechanical scarification of the seed coat with fine sand paper also removed dormancy and gave on an average 73% normal seedlings. Impaction and hot water treatment were not very effective in overcoming dormancy in this species.
Cassia italica hard seededness, dormancy, germination