STUDIES ON THE GERMINATION OF AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA (ALLIGATOR PEPPER)

Aframomum melegueta is a species with a similar composition as Ginger that belongs to the same Zingiberaceae family. The species is endangered due to deforestation. Also, seed dormancy is a serious problem of the species in the nursery. Thus, this study was carried out to evaluate the germination pattern of Aframomum melegueta through the use of some seed treatments. Seeds of A. melegueta were obtained from Ibaka market in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. All seeds were soaked with 100 ml of distilled water overnight to know their viability. There were 7 pre-treatments namely; Dry heat treatment, Wet heat treatment, Sulphuric acid treatment, Cold water treatment, Methylated spirit treatment, Warm sand treatment and Control. One hundred seeds were placed in the polyethylene plate vertically and horizontally, after each pre-treatment with three replicates. The tissue paper was moisturized with about 10 ml distilled water, ensuring that the seeds were well placed. The polyethylene plates were laid out in a Simple Complete Randomized Design. At the end of the experiment, recorded data representing the days of germination were cumulated. Germination was poor all round from different groups represented. However, Sulphuric Acid showed high seed germination (11.3%) of A. melegueta compared to other treatments. Based on the findings of the research work, and also to facilitate availability of seedlings for reforestation and agroforestry projects, sulphuric acid will be useful to both the local tree planters and silviculturists to break dormancy in A. melegueta.