Effect of temperature and acid scarification on seed germination of Sapindus trifoliatus Vahl.

The temperature in the range of 30-100 degrees C were found to enhance,germ ination of soapnut (Sapindus trifoliatus) seeds subjected to various durati ons from 5 min to 5 days. The enhancement in germination was found to be de pendent on temperature and period of exposure. Seeds incubated at 60 degree s C for one to five hours resulted in 84-88% germination. The scarification of seeds were also carried out with different concentrations of inorganic acids, such as sulphuric, nitric and hydrochloric acids. Both concentrated and diluted sulphuric acid caused increase in germination percentage follow ed by nitric and hydrochloric acids.