Optimization of Seed Germination in Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.) under Controlled Conditions

Germination in Euryale ferox seeds was studied under controlled condition with reference to (1) Temperature (4°C and 25°C), (2) Germination period (0,5,10,15,20,25 days at 4°C), (3) Light and dark condition, and (4) Seed size (two groups from 0.5 cm to 1 cm and from 1 cm to less than 1.5 cm ). Results indicated that seeds were dormant at the time of shedding. The stratification at 40C promoted germination more effectively than at 252°C. After stratification at 4°C,the germination frequency of the larger seeds peaked at 30-35 days stratification. Different germination responses between smaller and larger seeds could be due to a difference in the rate of induction of dormancy in the annual dormancy cycle. Seeds germinated in both light and darkness, which demonstrated that light was not involved in the regulation of E. ferox seed germination. The optimal temperature for germination was 25 2°C. Thus, it could be inferred that an interaction between light condition and temperature facilitates higher germination frequency at 25 to 30°C.