Evaluation of seeds of different provenances of Robinia pseudoacacia L. under nursery and laboratory conditions

The seeds collected from various provenances in western Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh were pretreated with cold water for 24 hours; hot water (85–90°C) allowed to cool for 24 hours; concentrated H₂SO₄ for 15 minute; seed coat rupture and untreated (control) to asses their effect on seed germination under laboratory conditions. The best germination was recorded with seed coat rupture treatment followed by concentrated H₂SO₄ treatment for 15 minute. The cold water treatment for 24 hours did not show any improvement over control. The seeds of Shimla location recorded maximum germination per cent in the nursery. The highest value for seedling height and collar diameter was recorded in the seeds of Sharboo location. The seed collected on the first date at all the sites also exhibited the maximum seed germination; however, date of seed harvesting had no effect on the seedling height and diameter.