Effect of storage time and temperature on germination ability of Escoecaria bussei

This study was conducted in Botany Department Nursery to evaluate the effect of storage time and temperature on germinability of Excoecaria bussei. The orthodox seeds, collected from Dodoma and Singida regions were germinated monthly from September 2013 through June 2014. Each time, seeds were soaked in water for 6 hours to soften then sown in sterile potting media. A Split-Split plot was used to compare temperature [(15°C) and (30°C)] as main plots, populations (Maktupa, Kisalu and Ilola) as Sub plots and storage time (September 2013 through June 2014) as Sub-Sub-plots on percentage seed germination. ANOVA revealed average germination percentages of 20.6±9 for Kisalu, 30.4±10 for Maktupa, and 33.1±7 for Ilola for seeds stored at low temperature (15°C). Seeds stored at 30°C showed respectively 5.52±1, 8.6±3 and 11.6±4germination percentages. Temperature and storage time conferred highly significant difference on germination percentage, while population did not at P >0.05. The interaction effects between population, storage period and storage temperature significantly affected germination percentage at P >0.05. Storage at 15°C can retain seed viability up to 9 months after harvesting but only 3 months at 30°C. If suitable storage conditions are not provided, Excoecaria bussei seeds should be sown immediately for maximum germinability.