Effect of H2SO4 on Seed Germination and Viability of Canna indica L. Ornamental Plant

Canna indica L. roots are used for medicinal purpose. A decoction of the root with fermented rice is used in the treatment of gonorrhea and amenorrhea. The seed of canna is extremely hard, and needs to be "scarified" before sowing. The aim of the present investigation is to determine the hardiness problem of the seed. The seed sample was collected from the IARI, New Delhi in 2008. The work consists of Physical purity, standard germination test, seed vigour test. Experimental results has shown that, seed sample recorded the purity of seed (97.55 %) and seed sample showed the maximum germination percentage 95% after three and four hrs, H2SO4 scarification. The maximum root length (34.07 mm), maximum shoot length (23.62 mm) and maximum seedling shoot and root fresh weight (0.23 and 0.24 g) were observed at three, two hrs and control. H2SO4 scarification. The results indicated that H2SO4 scarification increase the germination percentage but it reduce the viability of the seed.

Canna, fresh weight, Germination, Scarification.