Enhancing Germination of Forest Tree Seeds in Chhattisgarh through PGR-Based Treatments: A Review
Alok Singh Bargah *
Department of Forest Products and Utilization, Mahatma Gandhi Udyanikee Evam Vanikee Vishwavidyalaya, Sankara, Patan, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.
Damini Sharma
Department of Forest Biology and Tree Improvement, Mahatma Gandhi Udyanikee Evam Vanikee Vishwavidyalaya, Sankara, Patan, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.
Rajesh Kumar
Department of Forest Products and Utilization, Mahatma Gandhi Udyanikee Evam Vanikee Vishwavidyalaya, Sankara, Patan, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.
Manish Kumar Mankur
Department of Farm Forestry, University Teaching Department, Sant Gahira Guru University, Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, 497001, India.
Pankaj
Department of Farm Forestry, University Teaching Department, Sant Gahira Guru University, Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, 497001, India.
Nalini
Department of Forest Biology and Tree Improvement, Mahatma Gandhi Udyanikee Evam Vanikee Vishwavidyalaya, Sankara, Patan, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.
Rajeshwari Nag
Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Mahatma Gandhi Udyanikee Evam Vanikee Vishwavidyalaya, Sankara, Patan, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.
Roshani Pradhan
Department of Forest Resource Management, Mahatma Gandhi Udyanikee Evam Vanikee Vishwavidyalaya, Sankara, Patan, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are forest tree seed germinator, it is necessary to demonstrate that PGRs are involved in the mechanisms that control both the induction of dormancy and the release from it, and that these mechanisms operate in woody plant seeds. The establishment of plantations, recognizing the current need for sustainable alternatives for depleting natural forests, has gained significance for industrial and domestic wood production on both large and small scales. This review examines four known concepts of seed dormancy and discusses the published evidence linking PGRs to tree seed germination. Tree seed germination influenced by a variety of external and internal factors, with PGRs playing a key role among them. However, the mechanisms through which this control occurs can differ greatly, ranging from physical to metabolic processes. The successful establishment of tree species depends on factors such as the quality of planting material, soil condition, water availability for irrigation, and protection measures in place. Many tree species face challenges with seed germination due to both external and internal factors, leading to seed dormancy. Plant growth regulators such as Auxins (IAA, IBA, 2-4D, 4-CPA), Gibberellic acid (GA3), Cytokinins (Kinetin, Zeatin, Benzyl adenine), Ethylene (Etheral), and Abscisic acid (Dormins, Phaseic Acid) are used in various concentrations to improve tree seed germination. It can be concluded that seed morphological parameters are directly linked to germination, with a higher vigor index leading to faster germination. Additionally, seeds collected shortly after dispersal or ripening tend to be recalcitrant, but sowing them within a month of collection ensures high germination rates.
Keywords: Plant growth regulators, seed, scarification, dormancy, germination