Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources

Seeds of Solanum viarum exhibits dormancy/hardseededness and thus complicates the recording of exact germination which is prerequisite for long term storage, in the gene bank. In the present study, the initial germination percentage of seeds varied from 22% to 30% in Solanum viarum (var. Arka sanjeevam). Pronounced effects of seed pretreatment with sulphuric acid and gibberelic acid on germination have been reported by the authors. The best treatments worked out was over-night soaking in GA₃ (500 ppm) and acid scarification with sulphuric acid (25%) for one hour. These treatments not only increased the germination percentage but also reduced the mean germination time significantly under laboratory conditions.